Members Present
Honourable Jim Antoine, Honourable Goo Arlooktoo, Mr. Barnabas, Honourable Charles Dent, Mr. Erasmus, Mr. Evaloarjuk, Honourable Sam Gargan, Mrs. Groenewegen, Mr. Henry, Honourable Stephen Kakfwi, Mr. Krutko, Mr. Miltenberger, Honourable Don Morin, Honourable Kelvin Ng, Mr. Ningark, Mr. O'Brien, Mr. Ootes, Mr. Picco, Mr. Rabesca, Mr. Roland, Mr. Steen, Honourable Manitok Thompson, Honourable John Todd.
Oh, God, may your spirit and guidance be in us as we work for the benefit of all our people, for peace and justice in our land and for the constant recognition of the dignity and aspirations of those whom we serve. Amen.
Item 1: Prayer
Item 1: Prayer
Page 171
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Ng. Good morning. Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Todd.
Item 2: Ministers' Statements
Item 2: Ministers' Statements
Page 171
John Todd Keewatin Central
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on the advice of the Clerk, I would like to ask that we seek unanimous consent to waive rule 34(6) so that all Ministers' statements filed with the Clerk today can be delivered today. Thank you.
Item 2: Ministers' Statements
Item 2: Ministers' Statements
Page 171
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. The Member for Keewatin Central is seeking unanimous consent to waive rule 34(6) for today. Do we have any nays? There are no nays. Mr. Todd, you have unanimous consent. Ministers' statements. Mr. Todd.
Minister's Statement 3-13(5): Teachers' Collective Agreement
Item 2: Ministers' Statements
Page 171
John Todd Keewatin Central
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and thank you, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that the teachers have voted in favour of ratifying a collective agreement.
--Applause
This means that we now have a negotiated agreement for teachers for the period September 1, 1996 to August 31, 1999. Negotiations for this collective agreement, Mr. Speaker, were arduous and quite difficult. Throughout this process our teachers maintained poise and conducted themselves in a most professional manner. Mr. Speaker, education is a priority for the people of the Northwest Territories. We value and appreciate our teachers and the work they do to educate our children.
I strongly believe in the process of negotiations for solving our problems. The bargaining teams on both sides conducted themselves as professional negotiators. Mr. Speaker, I will be sending personal letters of appreciation to my representatives. I would like to take this opportunity to publicly express my appreciation to each member of the Northwest Territories Teachers Association's bargaining team. Mr. Speaker, I have been a member of a union bargaining team and I fully appreciate the complexity of the politics of trying to find solutions that will satisfy everyone's interests. Mr. Speaker, my appreciation for their perseverance, dedication and hard work in representing the interest of teachers go to Pat Thomas, Erin Blair, Donna Stephania, Ray Young, Cliff King and Blake Lyons. Thank you.
--Applause
Minister's Statement 3-13(5): Teachers' Collective Agreement
Item 2: Ministers' Statements
Page 171
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Ministers' statements. Mr. Antoine.
Minister's Statement 4-13(5): Royal Commission On Aboriginal Peoples Report Recommendations
Item 2: Ministers' Statements
Page 171
Jim Antoine Nahendeh
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples released its final report last November. Shortly afterward, I informed this House that the Government of the Northwest Territories would analyze the extensive recommendations of that report and be prepared to address them. I am pleased to make this statement outlining our initial reaction to the recommendations. Later today I will table in the Legislative Assembly a document which provides comments on recommendations that are within the mandate of the Government of the Northwest Territories.
The report and its recommendations were the culmination of five years intensive work by the Commission which was struck by the Government of Canada to investigate the question: "What are the foundations of a fair and honourable relationship between aboriginal and non-aboriginal people of Canada?". The approximately 400 recommendations are sweeping and detailed covering political, social and economic matters-and call for major action and change by the Government of Canada in partnership with the aboriginal nations as well as the provinces and territories.
As part of our efforts to understand the report, and in the spirit of partnership it advocates, during this past July the Government of the Northwest Territories co-hosted with the regional office of the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs an information session. Delegates from communities across the Northwest Territories participated in this session which provided insight as to the meaning of the report and its implications for northerners.
Officials of the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs have also participated in various forums with other jurisdictions in order to more fully understand the report. I had the opportunity to meet with my provincial and aboriginal colleagues to discuss the report during a meeting of provincial/territorial Ministers of Aboriginal Affairs in Regina last April.
One of the most important facts that has come from all this is that, at the territorial, regional and community level, northerners are already doing much to establish new relationships and reform the way we do business as governments. This is not a surprise, since the nature of society in the north, and in the Northwest Territories particularly is quite different from southern Canada.
In the Northwest Territories, we have the opportunity through comprehensive claims, self-government and political development to establish the kind of relationships between people and opportunities for our aboriginal residents which are envisioned in the commission report. The Government of the Northwest Territories through its Agenda for Change has recognized and acted upon the need to adjust our sights in a manner which is very much consistent with many of the recommendations. I do, not make these observations to minimize the need to take the report seriously, though. I believe there is much more we can do and this government will use the report recommendations as a guide and tool to shape our continued efforts to create a better place for all people to live and to create a meaningful place for the Northwest Territories in Canada.
This is particularly the case when we look at the report's major recommendations for rebuilding a cohesive national legislative and administrative framework with which to foster a new relationship between aboriginal and non-aboriginal people. This part of the report we have commented on to some extent in the paper I am tabling later today. There is still more considerations that will be needed based on the federal response.
Mr. Speaker, I understand that the Government of Canada will be officially responding to the report in the near future. The Government of the Northwest Territories anxiously awaits this federal response so that we might begin understanding how northerners and their governments can support the larger national agenda promoted by the recommendations.
My statement today and this paper which I will table will not mark the end of this government's consideration of the report and its recommendations. It marks a starting point. Based on the work we have done so far, departments are now prepared to answer any specific questions people may have and listen to specific suggestions on what more we can do. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
--Applause
Minister's Statement 4-13(5): Royal Commission On Aboriginal Peoples Report Recommendations
Item 2: Ministers' Statements
Page 172
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Antoine. Ministers' statements. Mr. Arlooktoo.
Minister's Statement 5-13(5): Article 24 Contracting Procedures
Item 2: Ministers' Statements
Page 172
Goo Arlooktoo Baffin South
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In May, 1996, I tabled in this House the Interim Implementation Measures for Article 24 of the Nunavut Final Agreement. I am pleased to announce today that the final measures are now in place. The final measures were developed from the interim procedures and include both negotiated contracts and use of Inuit labour, firms and professional services. Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated was actively involved in the development of the document, and they have formally agreed to the government's adoption of these procedures.
Mr. Speaker, I believe these procedures respond to the government's commitment to provide reasonable support and assistance to Inuit firms to enable them to compete for government contracts. It is important to remember that even though these are called final measures, we will work closely with NTI to monitor them to make sure that they are working out. I am satisfied that the measures will maximize the use of Inuit labour and the involvement of Inuit firms in government contracts in Nunavut. Our joint monitoring efforts will help us decide whether the changes are necessary. We will continue to discuss this with NTI to try to find a solution.
Mr. Speaker, as I have stated on many occasions, creating opportunities for Inuit firms is very important. It is even more important to get Inuit involved at every level of economic activity. I believe that we have taken one more important step down that path. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Minister's Statement 5-13(5): Article 24 Contracting Procedures
Item 2: Ministers' Statements
Page 172
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Arlooktoo. Ministers' statements. Mr. Dent.
Minister's Statement 6-13(5): The National Child Benefit
Item 2: Ministers' Statements
Page 172
Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, ensuring that all children have a good start in life is critical to the future of the north and to the future of Canada. The federal government has announced a new program called the National Child Benefit which will start in July of 1998. The program is an important step in tackling child poverty. It will help northerners move into and stay in the workforce and help build a better future for children and our society. Since the program is built on a partnership between the federal government and the territorial and provincial governments, I would like to bring the Members of this Assembly up-to-date on this initiative in the Northwest Territories.
The Department of Education, Culture and Employment estimates that one-third of Northwest Territories' families will qualify for the benefit. This is in line with the national average. Under the new program, the federal government will make payments directly to low-income families with children. Canada, the provinces and territories have all agreed that the implementation of the program will not result in an overall reduction in income support for those on assistance. However, Mr. Speaker, since the federal government will be paying more to low-income families, the Northwest Territories' share of payments will be reduced. The department estimates that $2.3 million will be freed up for reinvestment in programs that improve work incentives, benefits and services for low-income families with children. As well, parents will continue to receive the National Child Benefit for their children while working at low-wage jobs. This approach should give low-income parents the extra support they need to stay in the work force and be self-sufficient, rather than having no option but to depend on income support.
The Government of the Northwest Territories and Canada will begin negotiations on the implementation of this program over the next few months. Through negotiation, we will confirm our approach to reinvestment and the administrative procedure associated with the implementation of the National Child Benefit.
Mr. Speaker, I have distributed pamphlets and booklets on the National Child Benefit to Members of this Assembly, and the department has mailed the same information to stakeholders. This program will have a significant benefit for low-income families in the Northwest Territories by helping them to achieve independence and self-sufficiency. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Minister's Statement 6-13(5): The National Child Benefit
Item 2: Ministers' Statements
Page 173
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Dent. Ministers' statements. Ms. Thompson.
Minister's Statement 7-13(5): Results Of Municipal Elections
Item 2: Ministers' Statements
Page 173
Manitok Thompson Aivilik
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on October 20th, electors went to the polls to vote for the mayors and councils of Iqaluit, Fort Smith, Hay River, Fort Simpson, Norman Wells and Yellowknife. Voter turn out in these municipal elections ranged from 40 percent to over 74 percent of eligible voters.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the Members to join me in congratulating the new and the re-elected members of councils. As I have stated before in this House, the responsibilities of local authorities is expanding. The term of the new councils promises to be one of great challenge and change from municipal governments. Mr. Speaker, the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs provides many training opportunities which can prove useful to the new councils. For example, we provide training for community works management and community counsellor orientation. These training programs are offered to municipal councils on a request basis. In the past, many Members of council have found these to be of significant benefit in their new positions. I hope many more will make use of these opportunities.
Mr. Speaker, in closing, I thank all those candidates who served on the councils this past term for their efforts and hard work and wish you all the best in the future endeavours. Thank you.
Minister's Statement 7-13(5): Results Of Municipal Elections
Item 2: Ministers' Statements
Page 173
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Ms. Thompson. Ministers' statement. Mr. Kakfwi.
Minister's Statement 8-13(5): NWT Protected Area Strategy
Item 2: Ministers' Statements
Page 173
Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu
Mahsi. Mr. Speaker, this government has made job creation a number one priority and we plan to develop economic opportunities in the territories, but we also plan to do it in a manner that respects the environment. I am frequently approached by people who ask how the land will be protected while we carry on with industrial development. They emphasize that critical areas for wildlife and places of cultural importance are needed to sustain people in the north. These areas offer a source of subsistence and a substitute for imported goods as well as continuing link with our culture.
To safeguard the areas we value, the Government of the Northwest Territories and the federal government committed to developing a Protected Area Strategy. This document will outline a procedure once it is developed for identifying special areas of land and how they would be used. I am pleased to report that the strategy is progressing. The processes required to develop and implement a Protected Area Strategy are complex. Extensive consultation, coordination and cooperation are required. We recognize that the development of the strategy cannot proceed without the involvement of all land owners and land users.
The consultation process is ongoing and in order to facilitate discussions with aboriginal groups, I have written recently to all aboriginal leaders requesting meetings to discuss how the strategy can best be developed in each of their respective jurisdictions. I believe the Protected Area Strategy is of benefit to everyone in the north and we will gain much more by working together.
Some regions are moving faster than others. For example, the Gwich'in settlement area planning boards are jointly sponsoring a session in November to help identify potential protected areas. We have had inquiries from the South Slave region and interest has also been expressed from the Deh Cho region.
To support development of the strategy, the Department of Resources, Wildlife, and Economic Development is researching and sharing information with land claim organizations and communities. Identifying potential protected areas is not a simple matter because protected areas are not just nature reserves. They include areas which have cultural and spiritual significance. By working together, we can protect the areas which are important to us and at the same time pass on a legacy to future generations. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I do have another statement if I can continue. Thank you.
Minister's Statement 8-13(5): NWT Protected Area Strategy
Item 2: Ministers' Statements
Page 173
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Kakfwi.
Minister's Statement 9-13(5): NWT Development Corporation
Item 2: Ministers' Statements
Page 173
Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu
Mr. Speaker, in regard to the Northwest Territories Development Corporation, the Northwest Territories Development Corporation was established in 1990 with the passage of the Northwest Territories Development Corporation Act. The corporation has a somewhat unique mandate in that it is charged with going where the private sector cannot or will not go to create jobs for northerners. This means the corporation focuses most of its efforts in small communities where unemployment rates are high and opportunities are few. For the most part, companies under the
corporation's umbrella employ people who have had little or no opportunity to join the wage economy.
In 1996, Mr. Speaker, approximately 1,200 people were employed through job creation with the corporation. A profile of these employees show that 60 percent were female; 80 percent were aboriginal; 75 percent had less than a grade 10 education and 50 percent were on social assistance and employment insurance prior to working for the corporation.
Wages paid by the corporation amount to nearly $5.6 million. An additional $7.5 million was paid for supplies, services and products such as carvings. On the revenue side, the corporation generated $8.6 million, most of which came from the south and is new money in our economy.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to note that initiatives by the Northwest Territories Development Corporation reach far beyond the goal of creating jobs for people in small communities. Those who gained employment have the opportunity to learn, prosper and look forward to a more positive future. Employees receive on-the-job training, gaining skills that are transferable and attractive to other employers. As a result, corporation employees can lead more productive lives and become a positive role model in their communities.
The initial thrust of the corporation is to create jobs. Recently, efforts have concentrated on streamlining the marketing arm of the corporation. Three marketing companies have been merged into one and a new sales inventory system has been put into place. This system provides detailed data to make sales projections and identify product requirements. In addition to these improvements, the corporation has set up new retail outlets to distribute its products. The corporation now has outlets in eastern Canada, where Inuit products are in greatest demand and in western Canada, where Dene products seem to be most popular.
Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories Development Corporation is just one of the tools we have at our disposal to implement policies, directed at improving the standard of living of northern residents. The Corporation has made significant progress in developing our economy. I hope to see it play an even greater role in helping to meet the needs of small communities. I believe the corporation is now in a position to expand operations, and it my expectation that this will occur in the upcoming year. Thank you.
--Applause
Minister's Statement 9-13(5): NWT Development Corporation
Item 2: Ministers' Statements
Page 174
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Kakfwi. Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Picco.
Member's Statement 23-13(5): Baffin Fishery
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 174
Edward Picco Iqaluit
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the fishery in the Baffin region both offshore and the commercial char fishery has been growing considerably over the past ten years. We now have several commercial fishermen and a modern fish plant in Pangnirtung. The Kikitalik Corporation has successfully prosecuted the offshore turbot and shrimp fishery for some time now. This has helped create new jobs and provided extra income to many residents of the Baffin.
Mr. Speaker, the Baffin fishery is a good news story and something that we should continue to develop and support. On October 7th through 9th, the Baffin Regional Chamber of Commerce coordinated a conference on the fishery sponsored by Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development and held in Iqaluit. There were over 31 participants from ten Baffin communities able to attend. The conference's aim was to help develop a framework for a Baffin fishing strategy and create a Baffin fishing industry organization. The need for more community infrastructure particularly freezers, the need for air connections that will facilitate the shipping of fish, the issue of the percentage of fish allocated to the Nunavut region by federal authorities and cooperation between communities was stressed. An interim board for the new Baffin Fishery Council was appointed. This board was mandated with getting the organization registered and up and running before the first official board is elected which should occur around March, 1998. The conference was a major accomplishment in this important industry and for the economy of the Baffin region especially in some of the smaller communities where fishing is the major income source available.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the Baffin Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development office, the coordinators of the Baffin Regional Chamber of Commerce and the participants for being proactive in helping foster the development of this important renewable resource. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member's Statement 23-13(5): Baffin Fishery
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 174
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Picco. Members' statements. Mr. Miltenberger.
Member's Statement 24-13(5): Issues To Address As We Approach Division
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 174
Michael Miltenberger Thebacha
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In the wee hours of the morning, I raised the issue of the need to focus our agenda down to two key priorities. The first one being that we should be focusing all our attention and resources on trying to make sure the programs and initiatives we started in the communities are backed up and running as effectively as possible. In the last two years, we have asked the people we represent to make sacrifices and to share the pain that was required to balance our budget and get our financial house in order. They have done that. Now it is up to us to make sure that we do not break that faith when we move to try to rekindle the economy, look at employment initiatives and deal with social problems.
The other issue, Mr. Speaker, is that of division and the need for a smooth transition. Of course, I would like to restate the point of key concern to me is the fact that division has to take place at no expense to services and programs in the west. The reason I restate that, Mr. Speaker, is because I want to reassure the people that I represent and the people of the west that even though once again the Member for Iqaluit has made attempts when he asked the Minister of Education yesterday to move the trades program from Thebacha to Iqaluit, that will not happen.
Mr. Speaker, I must give the Member credit. He has more gall than Caesar. A few short weeks ago, he was championing the cause of moving $13 million from western health boards to eastern health boards, a move which would have seriously disadvantaged the health boards in the west. Now, we see him once again trying to work his wily tricks.
Mr. Speaker, the Member for Iqaluit is a clever, political trickster. He talks to us, look here I speak of compassion and friendship with one hand and in the other hand, he wants to reach into the pocket of the west, take our wallet and empty it out. I do not believe the people of the west or the east for that matter would accept that. If we are going to proceed smoothly to division, we cannot keep doing that. Every time it happens, it just reinforces the fact that there is a shift or there maybe a shift and that we must be vigilant.
Mr. Speaker, I know that is not the intent of this process and I would hope, Mr. Speaker, I request unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Member's Statement 24-13(5): Issues To Address As We Approach Division
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 175
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
The Member for Thebacha is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Do we have any nays? There are no nays. We do not have any nays. Members have to be in their seat in order for them to vote or agree on unanimous consent. Mr. Miltenberger, you have unanimous consent.
Member's Statement 24-13(5): Issues To Address As We Approach Division
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 175
Michael Miltenberger Thebacha
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will just conclude by saying once again that we have to pay more than lip service to working together and dealing in good faith with each other. Every time a situation like this comes up, it just reinforces the possible split and bad feeling that could occur. I, for one, Mr. Speaker, do not want to have the last days of this Assembly tarnished by that kind of approach, so I would hope that in future, we will in fact deal in good faith so I will not have to keep reassuring the people that I represent that in fact there will be no looting and pillaging either way in this process. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
--Applause
Member's Statement 24-13(5): Issues To Address As We Approach Division
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 175
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Members' statements. Mr. Roland. Mr. Picco, you have a point of privilege.
Member's Statement 24-13(5): Issues To Address As We Approach Division
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 175
Edward Picco Iqaluit
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Member for Thebacha is implying an ulterior motive with my statement last night about the programs on principal trades, the trades programs to be moved to the Nunavut region. Mr. Speaker, what I was trying to point out was that indeed we do not have those types of trades programs in the east. I have asked that for the last two years to have those types of programs moved. I do not see why we should have people from Pond Inlet or Iqaluit having to travel to Fort Smith so that we can take those types of trades programs. That is what I was saying. He tried to imply that I was trying to loot, his actual words were looting and pillaging.
Member's Statement 24-13(5): Issues To Address As We Approach Division
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 175
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Picco. Your point of privilege, Mr. Picco.
Point Of Privilege
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 175
Edward Picco Iqaluit
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My point of privilege is that the Member was trying to accuse me of an ulterior motive in my statement saying I was trying to loot and pillage. Thank you.
Point Of Privilege
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 175
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. The Member can only rise on a point of privilege if his privilege in this House has been denied and so the Member for Iqaluit does not have a point of privilege. Mr. Picco, your point of order.
Point of Order
Point Of Privilege
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 175
Edward Picco Iqaluit
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I think under the point of order section 23(i) of Beauchesne's Rules of Order that the Member was trying to imply that I had ulterior motives in my statement last night concerning the transfer of programs, trades programs from Thebacha Campus to the east in Iqaluit, Rankin, Cambridge Bay or Nunavut. We do not have those types of trades programs. There was no ulterior motive. I have been saying that for two years. By saying, I wanted to loot and pillage and then on one hand I was using compassion about the hospital transfers are two separate issues. The need was demonstrated, Mr. Speaker, that the underbase of the hospital money in the east was needed.
Point Of Privilege
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 175
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Picco, I will review Hansards and give you my ruling on your point of order. Thank you. In order to clarify the point of order, I would like to ask the Members if they have any debate regarding the point of order. To the point of order. Mr. Miltenberger.
Point Of Privilege
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 175
Michael Miltenberger Thebacha
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Very clearly, I agree with the Member for Iqaluit. He has no ulterior motive. His motive is very naked and obvious. He is intent on moving resources from one community, one region to another. One happens to be in the west and one happens to be in east. I was just acknowledging that fact and saying it has a detrimental effect on the overall process as we move towards division. I concur with the Member. He has no ulterior motive. It is very clear what he want to do and he makes no bones about it. Thank you.
Point Of Privilege
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 175
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Henry. To the point of order. No? Mr. Picco.
Point Of Privilege
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 175
Edward Picco Iqaluit
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there is no ulterior motive when we do not have the trades programs. April 1, 1999 is coming. The monies that are given to the Northwest Territories for all the people of the Northwest Territories, that is all I was asking. To imply that I am trying to loot and pillage is incorrect and should be struck down by yourself in the ruling, under section 23 (i). The rhetoric spewed by the Member for Thebacha over the past few months on east/west splits is not acceptable.
Point Of Privilege
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 175
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Mr. Picco, I have heard the Member for Thebacha, as well as, I have heard you on your
point of order. I must say that you do not have a point of order. Members' statements. Mr. Roland.
Member's Statement 25-13(5): Beaufort Delta Leaders Conference
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 176
Floyd Roland Inuvik
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it seems the long hours in the House have had an effect on some Members during this morning's session. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to notify and bring notice of the plans upcoming in Inuvik. Mr. Speaker, there will be a number of Members of this Assembly who will be travelling to Inuvik next week. The reason for this travel is twofold. One the Members will take part in the Beaufort Delta leadership conference that is taking place and to see what things are happening in that community. As well, for the second part of this trip, and I hope it will be more of a relaxing atmosphere to be in especially looking at the couple of days we have been through while the Members are in Inuvik. I have organized a charity hockey game between the old-timers of Inuvik and the MLA sharks. A number of Members from this Assembly who have once before skated together will have to dust off their equipment and skate again. I have recruited some younger legs in the process because I think we will need some support. One of the minor hockey teams from Inuvik will be selecting a number of players to boost our group and, hopefully, we will be able to make it through the three periods of hockey. At the same time, it will give us an opportunity to raise money for minor hockey and youth in the community and a chance to enjoy the new Midnight Sun Recreational Centre, as this will be the first mini-tournament to be held in that facility. I would like to thank in advance the Members who are going to be attending the Beaufort Delta leaders conference in Inuvik and sharing a game as well for taking the time out of their busy schedules. There are a number of Ministers as well as Members who will take part in the activities in the Beaufort Delta. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
--Applause
Member's Statement 25-13(5): Beaufort Delta Leaders Conference
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 176
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Roland. Members' statements. Mrs. Groenewegen.
Member's Statement 26-13(5): Apology For Comments Regarding Ministerial Performance
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 176
Jane Groenewegen Hay River
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, October 23 yesterday, will go down in history as the longest sitting of this Legislature and Mr. Speaker, we went very late into the night last night, into the wee hours of the morning. I have to say in a moment of frustration, regarding a specific issue, I made a comment in the privacy of a Member's office regarding Minister Arlooktoo. It was unfortunate because in fact, I believe Mr. Arlooktoo has handled his portfolios admirably over the past two years. The timing of a specific issue and the lateness of the hour caused me to say something which I hope the Minister will accept my apology for and for any offence it may have caused him. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
--Applause
Member's Statement 26-13(5): Apology For Comments Regarding Ministerial Performance
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 176
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Erasmus.
Member's Statement 27-13(5): Family Wedding Nuptials
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 176
Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to inform this House of a joyous occasion. On November 1, next weekend, there will be a marriage in my family. My first begotten son, Roy Junior, will be married to Lyla Fraser, the youngest daughter of Peter Fraser who is a former Member of this House. Pete is a former Member of this House. Mr. Speaker, the ceremony will occur in the Great Hall here which is available to anyone who wants to use it for such occasions. Lyla, is a bright, cheerful and hard working young lady and she has been a welcome addition to our family. Roy Junior, of course, takes after his dad and he is also bright, cheerful and hard working. I am sure he makes a welcome addition to the Fraser family.
Mr. Speaker, I mentioned that Lyla made a welcome addition to our family and I would like to give an example of that. The young couple met in Yellowknife while my wife and I were in school in Saskatoon, not too long after that, they decided to get a post-secondary education. They both attained certificates in management and Roy Junior also has a Bachelor of Management. In a few months, Lyla will be finished her Bachelor of Arts with majors in both political science and native studies. She is doing work experience in Yellowknife to finish her final course requirements. We are very proud of these two young people. Mr. Speaker, nobody in this House is a spring chicken. In fact, I am glad nobody had the big one after that marathon yesterday. We all know there can be trying times in a marriage. There are trials and tribulations, good time and bad times and people need to work hard to maintain a good working marriage. These young people have shown level-headedness, perseverance and foresight. One of the first things they did together was to get a university education. I am sure the same level-headedness, perseverance and foresight will prevail. They will have a long and happy marriage and bring us many bright, cheerful and hard working grandchildren, like their grandfather. I am sure all the honourable Members of this House join my wife and I and Pete and Ellen in wishing our children well in their years ahead. Thank you.
--Applause
Member's Statement 27-13(5): Family Wedding Nuptials
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 176
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Erasmus. Members' statements. Mr. Ootes.
Member's Statement 28-13(5): Mid-term Review Process
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 176
Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to make some comments for the record about our Mid-Term Review yesterday. I will reference this as to why I would like to make those comments for the record. For some, if not many, the Mid-Term Review process was a worthwhile undertaking, and I was somewhat disappointed that the main headline in the news this morning was a quote by my honourable colleague from Thebacha whereby he said, I can only hope this has been a once in a lifetime experience. At first I thought he was making fatuous statement, Mr. Speaker, but he was deadly
serious with his comment in my opinion. I just want to comment today that for me that process was very worthwhile and I hope it was for others.
--Applause
Thank you. There are many reasons for that, Mr. Speaker. Why it was worthwhile. You know, we have to remember that the public out there needs to know the answers to questions. They need to be informed of what is going on in tie government. One of the methods by which we have the ability to do that is to speak here in the House and just because we have to sit here for seventeen hours, which frankly, Mr. Speaker, to me, was not that big of an undertaking. I have done that many, many times in my life, many more hours than that. So while, yes, it is straining and very stressful at times, I understand that. I do not think we should pat ourselves on the back, just because we sat here for seventeen hours. That is our job to bring forward, we had all agreed it would be done over two days. We could not change it.
The other point is, that Cabinet was elected by us, by us, as Members here. Not as an overall general public election. Therefore, it is important that we demonstrate to the public and Cabinet had the opportunity to respond in a way where we are going from here. I think it served that purpose. For me, a future Legislature should undertake this at all times as long as the Members here elect the Members of Cabinet. A Mid-Term Review, as we have proven, is beneficial. It is productive and it can lead us from here. It is, to me, very worthwhile. We are going tabulate a beneficial report that we can take from here for our next...
Member's Statement 28-13(5): Mid-term Review Process
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 177
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Ootes.
Member's Statement 28-13(5): Mid-term Review Process
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 177
Member's Statement 28-13(5): Mid-term Review Process
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 177
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
The Member for Yellowknife Centre is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Mr. Ootes, you have unanimous consent.
Member's Statement 28-13(5): Mid-term Review Process
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 177
Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will close my comments with a comment I think the Cabinet is well aware of the comment. Do not rest on your laurels. Thank you.
--Applause
Member's Statement 28-13(5): Mid-term Review Process
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 177
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Members' statements. Mr. Barnabas.
Member's Statement 29-13(5): Canada - Greenland Relations
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 177
Levi Barnabas High Arctic
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I will speak in Inuktitut. (Translation). Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The communities that I represent have people that come from other communities such as people from Greenland and when they have to get medical attention, people from Kanak will have to pay their own medical treatment and travel. There is a problem with this. My purpose for speaking up on this is because if a person from Greenland is moving to Canada, then they have to wait a long time to get citizenship. If they meet somebody from Canada, then they have to get their paper work done or they would have to find a job and work in Canada. I think we have to look at the legislation that comes from other countries to deal with these problems. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Translation ends.)
Member's Statement 29-13(5): Canada - Greenland Relations
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 177
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Members' statements. Mr. Krutko.
Member's Statement 30-13(5): Keewatin Resupply Initiative
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 177
David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there are times in our Assembly when issues are dealt with and debated by Members to the particular Ministers. As Members, we return to issues and ask questions. Sometimes the questions we ask and the issues that we raise may be redundant. Mr. Speaker, we return to those issues time and time again and repeat the questions because we are not satisfied with the answers we receive, and we are not satisfied that our issues and concerns are being heard. For that reason, I must return to an item that is facing this House, the Keewatin resupply.
For many years, fuel has been barged to eastern Arctic communities and delivered cargo and fuel. The barges delivering fuel and cargo to each community each year were able to meet the demands knowing there was another barge that would take supplies during the summer season. Although the communities are satisfied with the barging service in the eastern Arctic and the Keewatin communities, it seems the government is not. The government is pursuing another alternative which involves the use of tankers. For this alternative to be implemented, money must be spent to construct pipelines and facilities to deliver fuel from the tankers. Fuel delivery is linked to cargo delivery for the docks, barges and tankers used for hauling cargo. Communities that receive fuel by tankers may only have barge service once a year.
In regard to the items that are needed in order to complete a construction season, they may not be able to bring these items by barge. The other alternative is air freight . The cost of air freight. to the communities and the cost of building is a lot in these communities.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Member's Statement 30-13(5): Keewatin Resupply Initiative
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 177
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
The Member for Mackenzie Delta is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Do we have any nays? There are no nays. Mr. Krutko, you have unanimous consent.
Member's Statement 30-13(5): Keewatin Resupply Initiative
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 177
David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Air freight is costly when it comes to building supplies and other large items. This is something that the government should keep in mind when reviewing plans for construction projects.
Mr. Speaker, in our present economic times, we have had to make a lot of cuts and a lot of hard decisions building the pipelines versus proposed air fare freight and the cost to our government. Northern Transportation Company Limited presently holds a contract for fuel resupply to the Keewatin and the eastern Arctic. They have worked with this government to cut costs and have developed a new marine resupply structure that will further lower costs to the consumer.
The residents in the communities of the Arctic are satisfied with the present system, Mr. Speaker. All we can do is return to an old item and continue to debate it in this House. If something is not broken, why fix it? Mr. Speaker, because I am not satisfied with the answers that I have received in the past, I must return to this question and the reasons behind the government's decision to pursue the tanker delivery in regard to the eastern Arctic. In closing, Mr. Speaker, I would like to state the passing of my aunt, Bertha MacLaren, on Wednesday at 10:30 p.m., the 22nd of October in Langley, BC. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member's Statement 30-13(5): Keewatin Resupply Initiative
Item 3: Members' Statements
Page 178
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Mr. Todd.
Return To Oral Question 2-13: Environmental Liiability Site Inventory
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Page 178
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
2-13(5): Environmental Liability Site Inventory
Return To Oral Question 2-13: Environmental Liiability Site Inventory
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Page 178
John Todd Keewatin Central
Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Return to oral question asked by Mr. Picco on October 21, 1997, regarding Environmental Liability Site Inventory.
The report provided to the Standing Committee on Government Operations listed sites on the Commissioner's land that might have a potential environmental liability to the Government of the Northwest Territories associated with the use of the land. The report also indicated that there might be a federal and/or joint responsibility for a portion of the potential environmental liabilities. The reason for this is that some of the sites were transferred to the territorial government by the federal government over the years, as program responsibility was transferred.
We are not in a position to pursue this matter with the federal government at this time. We must first identify those sites that were transferred from the federal government by checking historical records and verifying title documents. Site audits would then be required in order to evaluate the potential liabilities. As you are aware, these types of audits are very costly, and we do not have the resources available to conduct them at this time. Without taking these steps there would be no basis for negotiation with the federal government. As resources permit, our government will be pursuing the issue of environmental liabilities and will be approaching the federal government as appropriate. Thank you.
Return To Oral Question 2-13: Environmental Liiability Site Inventory
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Page 178
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Returns to oral questions. Mr. Todd.
Return To Oral Question 22-13(5): Aurora Fund Eligibility
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Page 178
John Todd Keewatin Central
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Return to an oral question asked by Mr. Picco on October 22nd, in relation to the Aurora Fund.
There is no legal barrier to a loan being made by the Aurora Fund to an ordinary Member, Minister, or to a corporation in which she or he has an interest, so long as the Member or Minister is not an officer or director of the Aurora Fund.
The conflict guidelines in the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act place the onus on the Member or Minister to disclose his or her business interests. There is no onus on the Aurora Fund to safeguard the Member or the Minister from placing himself or herself in a conflict of interest.
If a conflict was apparent the board would no doubt give it due consideration.
Return To Oral Question 22-13(5): Aurora Fund Eligibility
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions
Page 178
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery.
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Page 178
Jane Groenewegen Hay River
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I take pleasure today in recognizing Pat Thomas, NWTTA president and former constituent. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Page 178
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Before we go to oral questions, we will take 15-minute break.
--Break
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
October 23rd, 1997
Page 178
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
The House will come back to order. Before we get into oral questions, I would like to provide my ruling on a point of order raised by the Member for Kivallivik, Mr. O'Brien, on October 22, 1997. The point of order that Mr. O'Brien raised was under rule 23(1) and I quote that rule: "in debate a Member will be called to order by the Speaker, if the Member imputes false or hidden motives to another Member". The point of order was raised by Mr. O'Brien and is contained on pages 55 and 56 of the unedited Hansard.
Mr. O'Brien raised his point of order in response to the following statement made by the Honourable Goo Arlooktoo, in answering an oral question that had been posed by Mr. O'Brien. Mr. Arlooktoo, in his reply, to a supplementary question, indicated the following and I quote, "There were an adequate number of meetings held of the Steering Committee which the Member chaired of which I understand, the Member also missed several meetings that were very crucial and important". Mr. O'Brien then raised his point of order and stated the following and I quote: "Mr. Speaker, I take exception to the Minister's comments that I, as Chair of the committee, missed several meetings. That is utter nonsense. This is a false statement, and I ask him to retract. Thank you."
Before proceeding with the ruling, I must bring to the Members' attention that the words, false statement and misrepresent have been ruled unparliamentary language, and I urge Members to observe this fact. In the case before us, the rule that Mr. O'Brien cited to raise his point of order was not infringed. I can find no imputation or false or hidden motives in Mr. Arlooktoo's remarks in question. I submit that Mr. O'Brien would have probably raised a point of order under rule 23(j), which states: "charges another Member with uttering a deliberate falsehood".
It is not the responsibility of the Speaker to decide if the account of a situation by one Member is correct versus another Member's interpretation or understanding of a particular situation. I offer citation 494 from Beauchesne's Parliamentary Rules and Form, 6th edition, and I quote: "It has been formally ruled by Speakers that statements by Members respecting themselves and particularly within their own knowledge must be accepted. It is not unparliamentary temperately to criticize statements made by Members as being contrary to the facts, but no imputation of intentional falsehood is permissible. On rare occasions, this may result in the House having to accept two contradictory accounts of the same incident".
As provided for in our rules and further confirmed by citation 494, a Member's statement must be accepted on face value. I trust that no Member in the House would intentionally make any statement that would tend to mislead the House.
Therefore, in this case, I must rule that Mr. O'Brien does not have a point of order and further that this House is prepared to accept more than one account of the same incident in keeping with Parliamentary tradition. In future I would hope that all honourable Members will be more selective in their choice of words, so as to avoid similar, unnecessary occurrences. Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Krutko.
Question 25-13(5): Keewatin Pipeline Resupply Proposal
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 179
David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister of Public Works. It is in regard to my opening statement in regard to the Keewatin resupply. Mr. Speaker, my question is, the present delivery of fuel and cargo is done by a northern company. I am concerned that if the government pursues the tanker delivery policy that the contract for resupply could not be done by a northern company and would have to be awarded to a southern company. Can the Minister tell the House if there are any northern companies that have tankers that can be used to delivery fuel at the present time?
Question 25-13(5): Keewatin Pipeline Resupply Proposal
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 179
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
The Minister of Public Works and Services, Mr. Arlooktoo.
Return To Question 25-13(5): Keewatin Pipeline Resupply Proposal
Question 25-13(5): Keewatin Pipeline Resupply Proposal
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 179
Goo Arlooktoo Baffin South
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I believe this is a question that I answered very early this morning if the Member checks Hansard. It is important to remember, once again, that the present carrier of choice that NTCL has enjoyed was introduced in 1985 by the government then, for a period of eight years. The intention then was to assist the company in making sure that they were the only ones that got the contract and give them a chance to become viable. The agreement in 1985 was that this preferential policy would go on for eight years. That was to end in 1993. In the past few years, the government has made moves to make these types of contracts more competitive because everybody agrees, I believe, that the way the present contract is given in the Keewatin is not a competitive process. So that is what we are doing. We are levelling the playing field so that it does make it possible to get a more competitive price, and all the information we have suggests that there are other interested parties, including other first rate corporations that are ready to put forward proposals if they are given the chance, as with NTCL. Thank you.
Return To Question 25-13(5): Keewatin Pipeline Resupply Proposal
Question 25-13(5): Keewatin Pipeline Resupply Proposal
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 179
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Krutko.
Supplementary To Question 25-13(5): Keewatin Pipeline Resupply Proposal
Question 25-13(5): Keewatin Pipeline Resupply Proposal
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 179
David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will have to rephrase the question or make it a little simpler so that the Minister can understand. The question was, can the Minister tell the House are there any northern companies that have tankers that can be used to deliver fuel at the present time?
Supplementary To Question 25-13(5): Keewatin Pipeline Resupply Proposal
Question 25-13(5): Keewatin Pipeline Resupply Proposal
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 179
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Arlooktoo.
Further Return To Question 25-13(5): Keewatin Pipeline Resupply Proposal
Question 25-13(5): Keewatin Pipeline Resupply Proposal
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 179
Goo Arlooktoo Baffin South
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am not trying to avoid the question, but I think that is kind of beside the point. For example, the Northern Transportation Company Limited was awarded a three year, $90 million contract for the eastern Arctic sealift this past year, and I recall very clearly, the signing ceremony that we had in Iqaluit. It was not because the Northern Transportation Company Limited necessarily had any tankers. I do not believe they do. Because what they were able to do is to put a proposal forward in partnership and in procuring tankers out in the global market and use that to their advantage. That is the way I believe all the tanker contracts are done, with these partnerships. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 25-13(5): Keewatin Pipeline Resupply Proposal
Question 25-13(5): Keewatin Pipeline Resupply Proposal
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 179
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Krutko.
Supplementary To Question 25-13(5): Keewatin Pipeline Resupply Proposal
Question 25-13(5): Keewatin Pipeline Resupply Proposal
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 179
David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can the Minister tell the House if a study of the implications of this decision has been completed as to how other communities will be affected in regard to this decision?
Supplementary To Question 25-13(5): Keewatin Pipeline Resupply Proposal
Question 25-13(5): Keewatin Pipeline Resupply Proposal
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 179
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Arlooktoo.
Further Return To Question 25-13(5): Keewatin Pipeline Resupply Proposal
Question 25-13(5): Keewatin Pipeline Resupply Proposal
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 179
Goo Arlooktoo Baffin South
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We have very clear evidence at this point of very significant long term savings for all the communities in the Keewatin region and can look forward to many years of lower gasoline prices
for the hunters and lower fuel prices for the home owners in the region. I think more significant than lower fuel prices for the government in general because in the end the government is the major consumer of these fuel products. We do have very clear evidence that there will be significant savings for the affected communities.
Further Return To Question 25-13(5): Keewatin Pipeline Resupply Proposal
Question 25-13(5): Keewatin Pipeline Resupply Proposal
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 180
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Oral questions. Final Supplementary, Mr. Krutko.
Supplementary To Question 25-13(5): Keewatin Pipeline Resupply Proposal
Question 25-13(5): Keewatin Pipeline Resupply Proposal
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 180
David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can the Minister tell the House in regard to the cost savings to all northerners, not just one particular region, will there be efforts made in a similar notion to all other regions and communities in the Northwest Territories by way of this endeavour which will have an implication on the cost of fuel to all communities? Will there be savings across the board to all communities in regard to fuel prices from one region to the other?
Supplementary To Question 25-13(5): Keewatin Pipeline Resupply Proposal
Question 25-13(5): Keewatin Pipeline Resupply Proposal
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 180
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Arlooktoo.
Further Return To Question 25-13(5): Keewatin Pipeline Resupply Proposal
Question 25-13(5): Keewatin Pipeline Resupply Proposal
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 180
Goo Arlooktoo Baffin South
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We have already gone through this process for all the other regions in the Nunavut area of the eastern Arctic fuel resupply, and I believe the resupply that is done in the Kitikmeot area is done through a competitive basis, where companies bid on these specific, large contracts. That has already been done and incidently, the winning company in all of those has been NTCL, to their credit. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 25-13(5): Keewatin Pipeline Resupply Proposal
Question 25-13(5): Keewatin Pipeline Resupply Proposal
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 180
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Henry.
Question 26-13(5): Diamond Mining Regulations
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 180
Seamus Henry Yellowknife South
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I think that we have all acknowledged that the diamond industry, which is new to the Northwest Territories and to Canada, has untold financial resources available for all Canadians in the form of royalties. It is estimated the BHP project alone can generate $2.5 billion for all Canadians. I understand and accept that part of the responsibility for ensuring that Canada gets a good royalty regime from the diamond industry lies in the hands of the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. It will be important that the mining regulations, which are being presently worked on, have enough teeth to ensure that all Canadians do get the resources that this development will bring in the form of royalties. I recognize, Mr. Speaker, this is a national issue and it may not have the calibre of exposure. I think it should and that is what we are trying to raise here in the Northwest Territories. I am wondering if the Minister of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development could advise this House if he has any knowledge as to the number of people the federal department has working on this important issue in advising the Minister. Does he know the number of people employed and working on this initiative? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Question 26-13(5): Diamond Mining Regulations
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 180
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
The Minister responsible for Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, Mr. Kakfwi.
Return To Question 26-13(5): Diamond Mining Regulations
Question 26-13(5): Diamond Mining Regulations
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 180
Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu
Mr. Speaker, the information I have is there is less than a handful of people within the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs who are assigned to the job of advising the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs on how and what type of position the department should take on behalf of the federal government and on behalf of the people in the north with regard to what type of conditions the federal government should make known to the Canadian public, what their expectations are in regard to the production of and sale of diamonds. I know because the man spoke quite clearly on CBC a month ago, much to the disagreement of Members here in the House. Joe Lazarovich seemed to be the principal advisor within the department that provides recommendations and advice to the Minister in regard to how to handle the issue of diamonds. Thank you.
Return To Question 26-13(5): Diamond Mining Regulations
Question 26-13(5): Diamond Mining Regulations
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 180
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Henry.
Supplementary To Question 26-13(5): Diamond Mining Regulations
Question 26-13(5): Diamond Mining Regulations
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 180
Seamus Henry Yellowknife South
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Minister for that. I noted in the Minister's comments he believes there is a handful of people working on it and he mentioned one individual in particular. I realize the Minister is dealing with his counterpart, Ms. Stewart, but has he had any other conversations with other federal Ministers to ascertain their knowledge on the diamond industry for Canada? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Supplementary To Question 26-13(5): Diamond Mining Regulations
Question 26-13(5): Diamond Mining Regulations
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 180
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Kakfwi.
Further Return To Question 26-13(5): Diamond Mining Regulations
Question 26-13(5): Diamond Mining Regulations
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 180
Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu
Mr. Speaker, it is the practice of this government, as well as the practice of the federal government, to respect the role that the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development plays in relation to federal issues in the Northwest Territories. Issues relating to aboriginal issues, resource issues, land and water issues that are clearly the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs, plays the primary lead role and that other Ministers are, in many cases, playing a secondary roll. Always, we try to speak first to the Minister and then we seek to speak to other Ministers as well. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 26-13(5): Diamond Mining Regulations
Question 26-13(5): Diamond Mining Regulations
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 180
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Henry.
Supplementary To Question 26-13(5): Diamond Mining Regulations
Question 26-13(5): Diamond Mining Regulations
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 180
Seamus Henry Yellowknife South
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I prefix my remark previously by acknowledging that I understood the Minister would deal with his counterpart, Ms. Stewart. I was
trying to ascertain if he had any conversations with other Ministers to see if they were knowledgeable on the topic but I accept the Minister's response to this. However, my question to the Minister is, the Government of the Northwest Territories and his department plays a minor roll, less important than the person who is directly writing the regulations. How many employees does the Minister have working on the diamond issue within the Government of the Northwest Territories' department? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Supplementary To Question 26-13(5): Diamond Mining Regulations
Question 26-13(5): Diamond Mining Regulations
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 181
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Kakfwi.
Further Return To Question 26-13(5): Diamond Mining Regulations
Question 26-13(5): Diamond Mining Regulations
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 181
Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We have about four officials within the department who are engaging in the issue on our behalf. I should point out to the Member that, on the earlier part of the question, I was trying to respect the understanding and have not spoken to any other federal Ministers in regard to this issue. We do have a meeting on Monday with the Minister of Indian Affairs, Jane Stewart. We also have a meeting with the Minister of Finance at the same time. Mr. Todd will be in attendance and the royalty part of the diamond issue will be discussed with Mr. Martin. I expect that we will seek a meeting to discuss the policies of Natural Resources Canada, the Minister Ralph Goodale, to seek clarification on the application of the policies of that department in regard to diamonds in the Northwest Territories. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 26-13(5): Diamond Mining Regulations
Question 26-13(5): Diamond Mining Regulations
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 181
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Ningark.
Question 27-13(5): Baffin/kitikmeot Resupply Contracts
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 181
John Ningark Natilikmiot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is directed to my friend and colleague, Mr. Arlooktoo, Minister of Public Works and Services. Before I ask the question, I would like to commend the Minister for providing business opportunities for people of Natilikmiot since he took office. Mr. Speaker, my question is directed to Mr. Arlooktoo regarding Keewatin fuel resupply. For the record, can the Minister assure this House and the people of Natilikmiot region, assuming that Keewatin fuel resupply should be constructed, it will not have a negative impact on the Natilikmiot region?
Question 27-13(5): Baffin/kitikmeot Resupply Contracts
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 181
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
The Minister of Public Works and Services, Mr. Arlooktoo.
Return To Question 27-13(5): Baffin/kitikmeot Resupply Contracts
Question 27-13(5): Baffin/kitikmeot Resupply Contracts
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 181
Goo Arlooktoo Baffin South
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes. I can give that assurance from the point of view that the resupply contract for these two regions are separate. They are done at different times in different ways, although, they are presently done by the same company. The company used different ports and separate equipment from the two communities of the frontier regions. It is my understanding they are stand alone viable contracts. I would expect that to continue. Thank you.
Return To Question 27-13(5): Baffin/kitikmeot Resupply Contracts
Question 27-13(5): Baffin/kitikmeot Resupply Contracts
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 181
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Ningark.
Supplementary To Question 27-13(5): Baffin/kitikmeot Resupply Contracts
Question 27-13(5): Baffin/kitikmeot Resupply Contracts
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 181
John Ningark Natilikmiot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Supplementary to the same honourable Minister. The Minister has implied in his statement the immediate cost saved will be enjoyed by the people of Keewatin. Will the Minister assure me and the people of Natilikmiot, if and when the Keewatin resupply is built, the same benefit will be enjoyed by the people of the Natilikmiot region? Thank you.
Supplementary To Question 27-13(5): Baffin/kitikmeot Resupply Contracts
Question 27-13(5): Baffin/kitikmeot Resupply Contracts
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 181
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Arlooktoo.
Further Return To Question 27-13(5): Baffin/kitikmeot Resupply Contracts
Question 27-13(5): Baffin/kitikmeot Resupply Contracts
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 181
Goo Arlooktoo Baffin South
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes. From the point of view that the Nunavut government especially will be spending less money on the transportation of fuel to a region of Nunavut which at this time is extremely costly. Therefore, the government spending less money on the transportation of a commodity means there is money freed up for other things. I guess that would be a general statement on overall benefits to everyone. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 27-13(5): Baffin/kitikmeot Resupply Contracts
Question 27-13(5): Baffin/kitikmeot Resupply Contracts
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 181
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Barnabas.
Question 28-13(5): Arctic Bay Sewage Lagoon Improvements
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 181
Levi Barnabas High Arctic
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is directed to the Honourable Manitok Thompson. The hamlet of Arctic Bay has been requesting, for a number of years, to improve their sewage lagoon. I was wondering what her department has done to address this problem? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Question 28-13(5): Arctic Bay Sewage Lagoon Improvements
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 181
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
The Minister responsible for Municipal and Community Affairs, Ms. Thompson.
Return To Question 28-13(5): Arctic Bay Sewage Lagoon Improvements
Question 28-13(5): Arctic Bay Sewage Lagoon Improvements
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 181
Manitok Thompson Aivilik
(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will be speaking in Inuktitut. I wish to thank the honourable Member for High Arctic. He comes to me to speak about some concerns for his constituency and he often comes to me to relay some concerns that have been expressed by his constituents and I have instructed my officials to contact Mr. Barnabas' constituency regarding this issue. (Translation ends) The project will take place as scheduled in 1998/99. The staff have been talking to the community and we are working with the community. We realize this is a priority for the community. The project will be taking place in 1998/99. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Return To Question 28-13(5): Arctic Bay Sewage Lagoon Improvements
Question 28-13(5): Arctic Bay Sewage Lagoon Improvements
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 181
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Ootes.
Question 29-13(5): Documents Requested Under Rcmp Investigation
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 182
Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to ask a question about the sensitive issue of the recent report of the RCMP investigation under way within the Government of the Northwest Territories. I have been asked by my constituents to try and clear the air about a further matter. My question is to the Minister of Justice. Could the Minister of Justice tell us if he is aware of any contact or request by the RCMP for documents from this government?
Question 29-13(5): Documents Requested Under Rcmp Investigation
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 182
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
The Minister of Justice.
Return To Question 29-13(5): Documents Requested Under Rcmp Investigation
Question 29-13(5): Documents Requested Under Rcmp Investigation
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 182
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker I am aware there have been some documents requested and reviewed by some members of the RCMP.
Return To Question 29-13(5): Documents Requested Under Rcmp Investigation
Question 29-13(5): Documents Requested Under Rcmp Investigation
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 182
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Ootes.
Supplementary To Question 29-13(5): Documents Requested Under Rcmp Investigation
Question 29-13(5): Documents Requested Under Rcmp Investigation
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 182
Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Could the Minister tell us if the RCMP have taken into their custody documents from this government?
Supplementary To Question 29-13(5): Documents Requested Under Rcmp Investigation
Question 29-13(5): Documents Requested Under Rcmp Investigation
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 182
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Ng.
Further Return To Question 29-13(5): Documents Requested Under Rcmp Investigation
Question 29-13(5): Documents Requested Under Rcmp Investigation
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 182
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. No. I am not aware of that.
Further Return To Question 29-13(5): Documents Requested Under Rcmp Investigation
Question 29-13(5): Documents Requested Under Rcmp Investigation
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 182
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Ootes.
Supplementary To Question 29-13(5): Documents Requested Under Rcmp Investigation
Question 29-13(5): Documents Requested Under Rcmp Investigation
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 182
Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre
Would the Minister tell us if he is aware of the particular documents that have been taken into custody?
Supplementary To Question 29-13(5): Documents Requested Under Rcmp Investigation
Question 29-13(5): Documents Requested Under Rcmp Investigation
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 182
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Ng.
Further Return To Question 29-13(5): Documents Requested Under Rcmp Investigation
Question 29-13(5): Documents Requested Under Rcmp Investigation
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 182
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Mr. Speaker. I said I was not aware if there were any documents taken into custody. No. I am not aware of what documents they had reviewed. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 29-13(5): Documents Requested Under Rcmp Investigation
Question 29-13(5): Documents Requested Under Rcmp Investigation
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 182
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Henry.
Question 30-13(5): Mining Sector Interests In Protected Areas
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 182
Seamus Henry Yellowknife South
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question today is to Mr. Kakfwi, the Minister responsible for Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development. The Minister presented a paper in the House today on the NWT Protected Area Strategy and update. I noted the Minister talked about job creation as the number one priority. I think that is the most important thing we have on our agenda for the next two years. I believe business can help create those jobs. I did not see any reference in the documents to the mining sector, which I suggest has a great potential to create the jobs the Minister has talked about. I would ask the Minister my first question. What consultations have taken place with the mining industry with regard to this protected area strategy? I see everyone else referred to, but do not note if anyone has had any consultations with the mining sector. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Question 30-13(5): Mining Sector Interests In Protected Areas
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 182
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Minister responsible for Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, Mr. Kakfwi.
Return To Question 30-13(5): Mining Sector Interests In Protected Areas
Question 30-13(5): Mining Sector Interests In Protected Areas
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 182
Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. One of the messages we received through the conference on Protected Area Strategy last March, acknowledged by industry. It was that the principal parties involved would be the federal government, the territorial government and the aboriginal organizations since much of the land and the resources that are on the table here are with these three principal parties. Industry will be invited and encouraged to participal but the principle format that will be developed will be between those parties. It is with that in mind that we are beginning in the first instance to initiate some primary dialogue with the aboriginal groups. Of course, the stake and the interest that is, for instance, mining companies have on ensuring access to the land and resources is also fundamental, but we do need to set some primary rules on how we are going to develop the format that would allow for all stakeholders to eventually have their interests and concerns provided for in this strategy. That is the initial part of the work that we see unfolding. Thank you.
Return To Question 30-13(5): Mining Sector Interests In Protected Areas
Question 30-13(5): Mining Sector Interests In Protected Areas
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 182
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Henry.
Supplementary To Question 30-13(5): Mining Sector Interests In Protected Areas
Question 30-13(5): Mining Sector Interests In Protected Areas
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 182
Seamus Henry Yellowknife South
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question to the Minister is, will the claims by industry where they have spent financial resources to assay what may be there in the way of minerals be protected and those individuals or companies still have rights to the areas that they have staked? Thank you.
Supplementary To Question 30-13(5): Mining Sector Interests In Protected Areas
Question 30-13(5): Mining Sector Interests In Protected Areas
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 182
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Kakfwi. It is a technical question.
Further Return To Question 30-13(5): Mining Sector Interests In Protected Areas
Question 30-13(5): Mining Sector Interests In Protected Areas
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 182
Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu
Mr. Speaker, I think it is a bit difficult to answer that question, but Members can look on the behaviour of the federal government where they were asked to
reconcile the interest of aboriginal groups in the negotiating forum with existing third party interests . In every instance that I know of where claims have been negotiated and where third party interest existed, the federal government has taken great pains and gone to great lengths to ensure that existing third party interests were provided for. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 30-13(5): Mining Sector Interests In Protected Areas
Question 30-13(5): Mining Sector Interests In Protected Areas
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 183
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Henry.
Supplementary To Question 30-13(5): Mining Sector Interests In Protected Areas
Question 30-13(5): Mining Sector Interests In Protected Areas
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 183
Seamus Henry Yellowknife South
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think the Minister was very clear on the position of the federal government. I assume that is the position of the Government of the Northwest Territories also. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Supplementary To Question 30-13(5): Mining Sector Interests In Protected Areas
Question 30-13(5): Mining Sector Interests In Protected Areas
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 183
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Kakfwi.
Further Return To Question 30-13(5): Mining Sector Interests In Protected Areas
Question 30-13(5): Mining Sector Interests In Protected Areas
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 183
Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu
Mr. Speaker, it has been our view that the principal role that we play in many of these cases is to ensure that as much as possible the primary interest of the aboriginal groups should be advanced as much as possible. The interest of industry and the interest of environmental groups, for instance, are legitimate interests, but the fundamental rights and the fundamental interest of the people, in this case the aboriginal people, has always been the foremost interest of this government in making sure that they are provided for as much as possible. It is not an either or position, but we have always taken the position in the negotiations to support as much as possible the position of the aboriginal groups without causing the interests of for instance third party interest to be compromised. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 30-13(5): Mining Sector Interests In Protected Areas
Question 30-13(5): Mining Sector Interests In Protected Areas
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 183
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Picco.
Question 31-13(5): Aurora Fund Investment Policies
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 183
Edward Picco Iqaluit
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in response to an oral question given today by Mr. Todd concerning the Aurora Investment Fund, Mr. Todd explained that there is no legal barrier to a loan being made by the Aurora fund to an Ordinary Member or to a Minister, to a corporation in which he or she has an interest as long as the Member or Minister is not an officer or director of the Aurora fund. It will take me sometime to digest that. I would like to follow up on a question concerning the rules and regulations of the fund. I am wondering if the Minister is able at this time to table rules and regulations guiding the Aurora fund.
Question 31-13(5): Aurora Fund Investment Policies
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 183
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
The Minister of Finance, Mr. Todd.
Return To Question 31-13(5): Aurora Fund Investment Policies
Question 31-13(5): Aurora Fund Investment Policies
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 183
John Todd Keewatin Central
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Well, first of all, let me applaud my honourable colleague for having me re-examine the conditions of the Aurora fund and given that, I was given a reading this morning in relationship to Members and the Ministers. It is perhaps very important that we ensure that there is transparency in this fund. I am prepared to do whatever is necessary to reassure the public and to reassure my colleague with respect to this fund. Now I understand all the more clearly how the definition we have in relationship to politicians. I think it is imperative now that there will be transparency in that to ensure the public realizes what the conditions and the criteria are to set the fund. So I am prepared to table whatever is necessary to reassure the public and I want to thank my honourable colleague for bringing this to my attention earlier last week.
Return To Question 31-13(5): Aurora Fund Investment Policies
Question 31-13(5): Aurora Fund Investment Policies
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 183
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Picco.
Supplementary To Question 31-13(5): Aurora Fund Investment Policies
Question 31-13(5): Aurora Fund Investment Policies
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 183
Edward Picco Iqaluit
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to see that the Minister again is willing to table. I wonder when will he be tabling that in this House? Will that be today?
Supplementary To Question 31-13(5): Aurora Fund Investment Policies
Question 31-13(5): Aurora Fund Investment Policies
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 183
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Todd.
Further Return To Question
Question 31-13(5): Aurora Fund Investment Policies
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 183
John Todd Keewatin Central
I would like to be in a position to do that. I am not. I will provide all the Members by letter what the conditions and criteria are for the fund. I am going to check with the fund managers and see just how far we can go. I am going to take it right to the edge as Mr. Picco frequently says to ensure there is transparency for the public and for this House in relationship to this fund. I am doing that primarily because the interpretation I received with respect to politicians et cetera in this access to this fund. I want to be clear that everybody understands that it is my intention to make sure that happens. I will do it by letter form and I will table it publicly when the House meets in December. Thank you.
Further Return To Question
Question 31-13(5): Aurora Fund Investment Policies
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 183
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Picco.
Supplementary To Question 31-13(5): Aurora Fund Investment Policies
Question 31-13(5): Aurora Fund Investment Policies
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 183
Edward Picco Iqaluit
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the tabling of the regulations and rules guiding the fund, I think it had been long overdue, but I do congratulate the government and the Minister for being willing to table this and I would be looking forward to seeing that on December 2nd. I think it is a date that this House will be sitting again after today.
I would like to follow up with the Minister if he is going to table the rules and regulations, is it possible then to have the number of loans given tabled also with the amount of jobs that have been created, the total amount that has been loaned out to date, and the industry sectors. Not once, Mr. Speaker, have I asked this House who got the loans. Thank you.
Supplementary To Question 31-13(5): Aurora Fund Investment Policies
Question 31-13(5): Aurora Fund Investment Policies
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 183
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Mr. Todd.
Further Return To Question 31-13(5): Aurora Fund Investment Policies
Question 31-13(5): Aurora Fund Investment Policies
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 184
John Todd Keewatin Central
Yes, Mr. Speaker. I would hope that I would be able to get that information to my honourable colleagues before December 2nd, and I will make a commitment to table whatever is necessary to assure the public and the Legislative that there is transparency in this process. Again, I am doing it primarily because of the interpretation I received yesterday of who can apply for the fund. If, in fact, Ordinary Members can apply for the fund, et cetera; then I want to make sure that the public at large sees the transparency. I will only be too happy to do that and once again, I would like to congratulate my colleague who has been vigilant in protecting the interests of the public on this important and exciting venture called the Aurora fund.
Further Return To Question 31-13(5): Aurora Fund Investment Policies
Question 31-13(5): Aurora Fund Investment Policies
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 184
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. O'Brien.
Question 32-13(5): The Wallace Report
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 184
Kevin O'Brien Kivallivik
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, over the last few days, we heard a lot about transparency, openness, so on and so forth. Mr. Speaker, my questions are going to be directed toward the Premier. Mr. Speaker, when we took office approximately two years ago, just after being sworn in the first days of this Assembly, there was a report that was commissioned and I believe it was known as the Wallace report. Mr. Speaker, we were given at that time a one page excerpt from this report. I would like to ask the Premier if he can outline to this House exactly what this report was and what was the intent of the report? Thank you.
Question 32-13(5): The Wallace Report
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 184
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Premier, two questions.
Return To Question 32-13(5): The Wallace Report
Question 32-13(5): The Wallace Report
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 184
Don Morin Tu Nedhe
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I believe that report was from previous government and I do not think I will respond to the Member. I think I gave already one pager to the Members. I will have to check back. That was two years ago. I will check it. Thank you.
Return To Question 32-13(5): The Wallace Report
Question 32-13(5): The Wallace Report
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 184
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Mr. O'Brien, supplementary.
Supplementary To Question 32-13(5): The Wallace Report
Question 32-13(5): The Wallace Report
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 184
Kevin O'Brien Kivallivik
Mr. Speaker, I am not quite sure if I heard the Premier and his full answer, but I believe that he had indicated that there was that one page that he released from this report. It is my understanding that in this report, there was reference that this government was in conflict. It is not really clear as to what the details were and my question to the Premier is, is he prepared to release the full report, the Wallace report to this House? Thank you.
Supplementary To Question 32-13(5): The Wallace Report
Question 32-13(5): The Wallace Report
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 184
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Morin.
Further Return To Question 32-13(5): The Wallace Report
Question 32-13(5): The Wallace Report
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 184
Don Morin Tu Nedhe
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think the Member was saying it was to his understanding that the government was in conflict. I cannot recall the report or what is in it. Maybe he read it ,and he would understand it better but as far as releasing the report, no. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 32-13(5): The Wallace Report
Question 32-13(5): The Wallace Report
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 184
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Oral questions. Final supplementary, Mr. O'Brien.
Supplementary To Question 32-13(5): The Wallace Report
Question 32-13(5): The Wallace Report
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 184
Kevin O'Brien Kivallivik
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it will be very difficult for me to read the report that has not been released. Mr. Speaker, my question to the Premier is when we speak of openness, transparency, so on and so forth, why will the Premier not release this report? Thank you.
Supplementary To Question 32-13(5): The Wallace Report
Question 32-13(5): The Wallace Report
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 184
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Morin.
Further Return To Question 32-13(5): The Wallace Report
Question 32-13(5): The Wallace Report
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 184
Don Morin Tu Nedhe
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That was a report requested by the previous government. It was an internal document. I believe that the Wallace report is not to be released and it will not be released.
Further Return To Question 32-13(5): The Wallace Report
Question 32-13(5): The Wallace Report
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 184
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Oral questions. Mr. Roland.
Question 33-13(5): Education Board Policy Re: Automatic Pass
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 184
Floyd Roland Inuvik
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question would be directed to the Minister responsible for Education, Culture and Employment. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, during our questioning on the Mid-Term Review Process, I questioned the Minister on the automatic pass system that in place.
The Minister informed me that is a policy held by the boards and referred that he would have to go back and do some research to see if he gave me the same answer when we first came together in this Assembly. I must admit his version was correct. Based on that it is a board policy, for example in the Inuvik region, if the board, community, and parents of the community decide this is not a policy they want to see being followed, can that be changed at the community level and be followed with? Thank you.
Question 33-13(5): Education Board Policy Re: Automatic Pass
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 184
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
The Minister responsible for Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Dent.
Return To Question 33-13(5): Education Board Policy Re: Automatic Pass
Question 33-13(5): Education Board Policy Re: Automatic Pass
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 184
Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I have said many times in this House, education in the Northwest Territories is a clear example of community empowerment at the regional level through the divisional education councils. Yes, councils can make that kind of decision. I would like to, at the same time, point out that the research overwhelmingly indicates that social promotion is in fact the best way to proceed. Ninety-nine point nine percent of the time, the child who repeats a grade is unsuccessful the second time through, so there is no benefit to holding a child back.
Return To Question 33-13(5): Education Board Policy Re: Automatic Pass
Question 33-13(5): Education Board Policy Re: Automatic Pass
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 185
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Roland.
Supplementary To Question 33-13(5): Education Board Policy Re: Automatic Pass
Question 33-13(5): Education Board Policy Re: Automatic Pass
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 185
Floyd Roland Inuvik
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I beg to differ with those reports. I have not seen them, but I came through a school system where testing was a part of the process, and I think it is human nature to know how well you are doing and to be able to react to that. What would be required by the education council or the education authority being that it is strictly Inuvik? What would be the process in making these changes? Thank you.
Supplementary To Question 33-13(5): Education Board Policy Re: Automatic Pass
Question 33-13(5): Education Board Policy Re: Automatic Pass
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 185
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Dent.
Further Return To Question 33-13(5): Education Board Policy Re: Automatic Pass
Question 33-13(5): Education Board Policy Re: Automatic Pass
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 185
Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would be quite happy to share the information with the Member. I am sure that Members of the divisional education council have access to the same information that demonstrates that children forced to repeat a grade are almost never successful in the repetition. In answer to the question, the district education authority should approach the divisional education council to discuss the situation. Whether the council would agree to an authority changing or adopting that rule on its own, I cannot say. The first step would be for the authority to discuss with the council their desire to see a change in the program.
Further Return To Question 33-13(5): Education Board Policy Re: Automatic Pass
Question 33-13(5): Education Board Policy Re: Automatic Pass
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 185
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Roland.
Supplementary To Question 33-13(5): Education Board Policy Re: Automatic Pass
Question 33-13(5): Education Board Policy Re: Automatic Pass
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 185
Floyd Roland Inuvik
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Minister stated that allowing the student to automatically move forward with their peers seems to be the best option. I guess my concerns would come out of the fact that we have seen the statistics of a large drop out that seems to be happening at the grade nine area. Has the Minister's department compared numbers and results of an automatic pass system and where the drop out rate increases, in comparison to being left behind for a year if they did not achieve the levels? Thank you.
Supplementary To Question 33-13(5): Education Board Policy Re: Automatic Pass
Question 33-13(5): Education Board Policy Re: Automatic Pass
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 185
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Dent.
Further Return To Question 33-13(5): Education Board Policy Re: Automatic Pass
Question 33-13(5): Education Board Policy Re: Automatic Pass
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 185
Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I said, all the research that I have seen, the data, supports the argument for social promotion, overwhelmingly. I believe it is important we recognize the changes such as school attendance and school graduation are generational. In Canada in mid-1960s, the graduation rate from high school was 25 percent. It has taken 30 years to go from 25 percent to approximately 70 percent. In the Northwest Territories, it will take some time to see that change take place. We have, in the last five years, had our high school attendance rates increase from the 40 percent mark to 85 percent this year. That is a dramatic change in a short period of time. It will take longer for the graduation rate to follow.
The graduation rate is dependent not just on attending school, but in many cases, in community and family support for the student to graduate. We do not have as long a history in the Northwest Territories as the rest of Canada for the support to see our students finish school. That is coming however. We can clearly point to a trend that shows the increases are there and that the trends are very positive. It will take some time to achieve the Canadian standards. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Further Return To Question 33-13(5): Education Board Policy Re: Automatic Pass
Question 33-13(5): Education Board Policy Re: Automatic Pass
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 185
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Oral questions. Final supplementary, Mr. Roland.
Supplementary To Question 33-13(5): Education Board Policy Re: Automatic Pass
Question 33-13(5): Education Board Policy Re: Automatic Pass
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 185
Floyd Roland Inuvik
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I believe in the community that I come from we were at one time close, or equal to, the Canadian standards, as the Minister has raised. Does the Minister have any reports as to why we seem to be dropping in quality when you speak to parents and their way of seeing things. They are the ones that see their children in school and see the results and in a lot of cases are beginning to send them to southern institutions for higher education. Does the Minister have any reports or studies done in that area that would suggest that the decline would be linked to automatic passes? Thank you.
Supplementary To Question 33-13(5): Education Board Policy Re: Automatic Pass
Question 33-13(5): Education Board Policy Re: Automatic Pass
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 185
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Dent.
Further Return To Question 33-13(5): Education Board Policy Re: Automatic Pass
Question 33-13(5): Education Board Policy Re: Automatic Pass
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 185
Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I had indicated earlier, the overall data for the Northwest Territories, both east and west, shows an improvement in the completion rates and in participation rates in high school. I cannot speak specifically for Inuvik. I will endeavour to find out what statistics are available for Inuvik and report to the Member. There is no correlation between standards of achievement and social promotion. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 33-13(5): Education Board Policy Re: Automatic Pass
Question 33-13(5): Education Board Policy Re: Automatic Pass
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 185
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Barnabas.
Question 34-13(5): Nunavut Arctic College Trades Program
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 185
Levi Barnabas High Arctic
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, for a number of years my constituents have been travelling to Fort Smith to attend trades programs. My question is directed to the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. Is there a budget allocation between base funding for Nunavut Arctic College and Aurora College for trades programs? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Question 34-13(5): Nunavut Arctic College Trades Program
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 185
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
The Minister responsible for Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Dent.
Return To Question 34-13(5): Nunavut Arctic College Trades Program
Question 34-13(5): Nunavut Arctic College Trades Program
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 186
Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the programs for Nunavut Arctic College and for Aurora College are set in consultation with the boards. The boards make a proposal for the programs that they wish to provide within the base funding that is provided to them. They make that proposal to my office. It is reviewed by the department, and they then recommend to me whether I should approve or not approve the programs as recommended by the board.
It is the boards of the two colleges that determine what programs will be offered. I do not, in my tenure as Minister, recall there being any refusal of a program that a college wanted to offer by my office. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Return To Question 34-13(5): Nunavut Arctic College Trades Program
Question 34-13(5): Nunavut Arctic College Trades Program
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 186
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Oral questions. Mrs. Groenewegen.
Question 35-13(5): Ntcl Resupply Contract
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 186
Jane Groenewegen Hay River
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question today is for the Minister of Public Works and Services. The Minister has fielded a tremendous amount of questions with respect to the Keewatin resupply, so I can barely think of any more questions that have not been asked.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to, just for a moment, articulate a concern that I have and ask the Minister to respond to it. Mr. Speaker, this government has constantly maintained that it can no longer be the engine that drives the northern economy. Given this, Mr. Speaker, we have a company, like Northern Transportation Company Limited, who are northern owned and operated. They are a territorial, corporate model citizen, recipient of aboriginal employment award, and I believe they deserve the utmost in consideration and respect by this government.
When they initially started out it was a Crown corporation purchased by two aboriginal development groups. They were given a designation of carrier of choice, in order to assist them in getting started and I believe that their accomplishments have been major. If anybody has stepped on board an NTCL tug lately, or walked into an NTCL office, they would have been met by people who are beneficiary shareholders in that company.
Mr. Speaker, having said that, I would like to receive assurances from the Minister that he has given consideration to the far reaching ramifications of any disruption to the existing provision of services of this corporate northern client. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Question 35-13(5): Ntcl Resupply Contract
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 186
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
The Minister responsible for Public Works and Services, Mr. Arlooktoo.
Return To Question 35-13(5): Ntcl Resupply Contract
Question 35-13(5): Ntcl Resupply Contract
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 186
Goo Arlooktoo Baffin South
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would not disagree at all with the Member's comments about NTCL. The fact is that they are perceived, by myself included, as a good corporate citizen. I want to make it clear, the initiative that we have taken has nothing to do with being against the Northern Transportation Company Limited. It has to do with making, what is now a monopoly, into a competitive process so there is incentive to lower prices. Our information and our evidence indicates this will result in very significant reductions in costs.
Return To Question 35-13(5): Ntcl Resupply Contract
Question 35-13(5): Ntcl Resupply Contract
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 186
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Oral questions. Supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen.
Supplementary To Question 35-13(5): Ntcl Resupply Contract
Question 35-13(5): Ntcl Resupply Contract
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 186
Jane Groenewegen Hay River
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. When the Minister refers to the significant savings that will be generated by the new proposed Keewatin resupply regime, is the Minster aware that the NTCL Career Development Program continues to grow and benefit the people of communities throughout Nunavut? That the 1997 Keewatin programs saw the employment of various individuals as deck hands, pump men, managers, clerks, checkers and two positions in marine maintenance? These position were filled from the communities of Coral Harbour, Chesterfield Inlet, Arviat, Gjoa Haven and Yellowknife. Is the Minister aware of these benefits?
Supplementary To Question 35-13(5): Ntcl Resupply Contract
Question 35-13(5): Ntcl Resupply Contract
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 186
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Arlooktoo.
Further Return To Question 35-13(5): Ntcl Resupply Contract
Question 35-13(5): Ntcl Resupply Contract
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 186
Goo Arlooktoo Baffin South
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am not aware of the particular positions that the Member spoke of. More and more, the government insists that the companies that are doing business for the government in the north hire and train the local people. I am glad to hear the report by the Member saying that this is being done. I applaud them for that. The future winner of the contract for the region, whether it be NTCL or another company, I would expect and insist they do the same.
Further Return To Question 35-13(5): Ntcl Resupply Contract
Question 35-13(5): Ntcl Resupply Contract
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 186
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Oral questions. Supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen.
Supplementary To Question 35-13(5): Ntcl Resupply Contract
Question 35-13(5): Ntcl Resupply Contract
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 186
Jane Groenewegen Hay River
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the Minister concur that the exercise of bringing in, setting up and supporting one company to the detriment and loss of another company that is already in place and living up to the commitments that this government considers to be valuable, is a fruitful exercise? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Supplementary To Question 35-13(5): Ntcl Resupply Contract
Question 35-13(5): Ntcl Resupply Contract
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 187
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Arlooktoo.
Further Return To Question 35-13(5): Ntcl Resupply Contract
Question 35-13(5): Ntcl Resupply Contract
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 187
Goo Arlooktoo Baffin South
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The transportation market in the Northwest Territories, whether it be down the Mackenzie Delta, on Great Slave Lake, in all areas of the Kitikmeot, the Keewatin, the Baffin region and on to the eastern ports of southern Canada, is not a small market by any means. It is a large and very profitable sector of the economy. There is room for competition and there is room for savings. Therefore, in my estimation and others, this is a fruitful and worthwhile exercise. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 35-13(5): Ntcl Resupply Contract
Question 35-13(5): Ntcl Resupply Contract
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 187
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Oral questions. Mr. Ningark.
Question 36-13(5): Eastern Arctic Resupply Costs
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 187
John Ningark Natilikmiot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is directed to Mr. Arlooktoo, the Minister of Public Works and Services. The Minister talked about savings, competitive. He implied that Northern Transportation Company Limited holds the monopoly. I am wondering if the Minister is implying that Northern Transportation Company Limited is driving the cost of transportation in the eastern Arctic? Thank you.
Question 36-13(5): Eastern Arctic Resupply Costs
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 187
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
The Minister of Public Works and Services, Mr. Arlooktoo.
Return To Question 36-13(5): Eastern Arctic Resupply Costs
Question 36-13(5): Eastern Arctic Resupply Costs
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 187
Goo Arlooktoo Baffin South
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. No, I do not believe it is the Northern Transportation Company Limited that is driving the costs up in the eastern Arctic. I believe the government negotiated down to a very reasonable level the large resupply contract for the eastern Arctic with Northern Transportation Company Limited and we were pleased with that. The savings we can see with the Keewatin resupply do not totally, necessarily have to do with the Northern Transportation Company Limited. The extra costs of handling fuel and cargo from places like Montreal or Edmonton, putting the commodity onto rail cars, handling it and moving it through the rail line to Manitoba and up north through Churchill, then off loading the product to the big tank farms in Churchill, then once again transferring that same fuel and cargo to the barges and then delivering them to the communities is the major costs of transportation. The cost is mostly in the handling and the complicated way that it is handled now, and it is not the fault of Northern Transportation Company Limited. Thank you.
Return To Question 36-13(5): Eastern Arctic Resupply Costs
Question 36-13(5): Eastern Arctic Resupply Costs
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 187
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Krutko.
Question 37-13(5): Release Of Wallace Report
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 187
David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Premier in regard to the Wallace report and exactly what is the secrecy around this report? Also, if public funds were spent to develop this report, why cannot the public have access to this report? Exactly what the Premier released, one page of a 20 page report, what is the problem with the other 19 pages of the report? Has the Premier read the report? Why is it so controversial?
Question 37-13(5): Release Of Wallace Report
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 187
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. I heard four questions. Mr. Morin.
Return To Question 37-13(5): Release Of Wallace Report
Question 37-13(5): Release Of Wallace Report
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 187
Don Morin Tu Nedhe
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is the position of governments and Cabinets to have reports done when needed by different people. We have the ability to make a decision whether to release it or not as well. Like I told the Member for Arviat, I was not going to release the report. Thank you.
Return To Question 37-13(5): Release Of Wallace Report
Question 37-13(5): Release Of Wallace Report
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 187
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. You have used up your four questions. Oral questions. Mr. Picco.
Question 38-13(5): Content Of The Wallace Report
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 187
Edward Picco Iqaluit
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I understand that when the reports were made by other governments, that not necessarily the next government coming in, in this case, are allowed to release reports. I would understand that in this case that might be the situation. My question is this, in that report the one page that was released in November, 1995, stated the government was in conflict. The government of the day, which included Ministers in this government today. My question again is, will the Minister respond by giving us an overview of what was in the report and what was found to be conflicted? Thank you.
Question 38-13(5): Content Of The Wallace Report
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 187
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Mr. Morin.
Return To Question 38-13(5): Content Of The Wallace Report
Question 38-13(5): Content Of The Wallace Report
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 187
Don Morin Tu Nedhe
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Even the one page the Member is referring to I cannot even recall that. I am going to have to look back and get the information from my staff. I do not have that stuff in my briefing books. I will get it and get back to the Member on that. Thank you.
Return To Question 38-13(5): Content Of The Wallace Report
Question 38-13(5): Content Of The Wallace Report
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 187
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Picco.
Return To Question 38-13(5): Content Of The Wallace Report
Question 38-13(5): Content Of The Wallace Report
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 187
Edward Picco Iqaluit
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would seek unanimous consent to continue question period.
Return To Question 38-13(5): Content Of The Wallace Report
Question 38-13(5): Content Of The Wallace Report
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 187
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. The Member for Iqaluit is seeking unanimous consent to continue with oral questions. Do we have any nays? I am sorry, Mr. Picco, you do not have unanimous consent. Item 7: written questions. Mrs. Groenewegen.
Written Question 1-13(5): Information On Keewatin Resupply
Item 7: Written Questions
Page 187
Jane Groenewegen Hay River
Sorry, Mr. Speaker, I am sleeping at the switch here today. I have a written question and it is for the Minister of Public Works. Mr. Speaker, access to Rankin Inlet
by deep sea tankers, with respect to that, will the Minister explain how 20,000 ton tankers will enter Melvin Bay for discharge when at this time small dry cargo freighters refuse to enter and anchor one and a half to two miles offshore and use lightening barges to land cargo? Also, with restricted access to Arviat and Baker Lake, will these communities require a second, smaller type of tanker system and at what cost? Using a direct delivery system for bulk in the Keewatin may require added tank storage in some communities to enable a full year's supply to be discharged or may require two tanker drops per season. What would the cost of additional tankage be, if required, and what additional costs would be incurred using added tanker days or two deliveries? With the loss of the short, quick and flexible supply line now provided through Winnipeg and Churchill, what effects and costs will this have on the average person that will now be forced to deal with Montreal?
What plan has been put in place for Baker Lake dry and bulk and will Baker Lake become a stand alone system that could increase their overall costs? Churchill provided the shipping time frame from early-July to mid-October. What shipping time frame will be provided from the east coast? The Government of the Northwest Territories and most customers use Winnipeg and Edmonton as supply points for construction materials because of lower costs and product availability. Will the Government of the Northwest Territories still purchase in the west because of lower pricing and then railer truck to Montreal for shipment back to the Keewatin, and at what cost to the customer? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Written Question 1-13(5): Information On Keewatin Resupply
Item 7: Written Questions
Page 188
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Written questions. Item 8, returns to written questions. Item 9, replies to opening address. Item 10, petitions. Item 11, reports of standing and special committees. Item 12, reports of committees on the review of bills. Item 13, tabling of documents. Mr. Dent.
Tabled Document 5-13(5): Northwest Territories Power Corporation Annual Report; 1996-97
Item 13: Tabling Of Documents
Page 188
Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following document entitled Northwest Territories Power Corporation Annual Report, 1996/1997. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Tabled Document 5-13(5): Northwest Territories Power Corporation Annual Report; 1996-97
Item 13: Tabling Of Documents
Page 188
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Tabling of documents. Mr. Arlooktoo.
Tabled Document 6-13(5): Plan 2000: Status Report
Item 13: Tabling Of Documents
Page 188
Goo Arlooktoo Baffin South
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to table the following document, Plan 2000 Status Report. Thank you.
Tabled Document 6-13(5): Plan 2000: Status Report
Item 13: Tabling Of Documents
Page 188
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Tabling of documents. Mr. Antoine.
Tabled Document 7-13(5): Comments On Recommendations: GNWT Review Of Royal Commission On Aboriginal Peoples Report
Item 13: Tabling Of Documents
Page 188
Jim Antoine Nahendeh
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I wish to table the following document entitled Comments on Recommendations Within the Mandate of the Government of the Northwest Territories. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Tabled Document 7-13(5): Comments On Recommendations: GNWT Review Of Royal Commission On Aboriginal Peoples Report
Item 13: Tabling Of Documents
Page 188
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Tabling of documents. Mr. O'Brien.
Tabled Document 8-13(5): Letter From Manitoba Chamber Of Commerce Re: Keewatin Resupply
Item 13: Tabling Of Documents
Page 188
Kevin O'Brien Kivallivik
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to table a letter from the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce in regard to the Keewatin resupply.
Tabled Document 8-13(5): Letter From Manitoba Chamber Of Commerce Re: Keewatin Resupply
Item 13: Tabling Of Documents
Page 188
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Tabling of documents. Item 14, notices of motion. Mr. Ootes.
Item 14: Notices Of Motion
Item 14: Notices Of Motion
Page 188
Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would give notice that on Monday, October 27, 1997, I will move the following motion:
Now therefore, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Iqaluit, that the Legislative Assembly request the Executive Council to undertake a review of the Government of the Northwest Territories guidelines and procedures respecting the awarding of contracts through the use of requests of proposals;
And further, that the guidelines and procedures be reviewed to ensure inclusion in application of the principles of fairness, equity and transparency;
And further, that this review be tabled during the February sitting of this Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time I will be seeking unanimous consent to deal with this motion today. Thank you.
Item 14: Notices Of Motion
Item 14: Notices Of Motion
Page 188
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Notices of motion. Mr. O'Brien.
Item 14: Notices Of Motion
Item 14: Notices Of Motion
Page 188
Kevin O'Brien Kivallivik
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Monday, October 27, 1997, I will move the following motion:
Now therefore, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Inuvik, that this Legislative Assembly strongly recommends that the request for proposals for the construction of fuel delivery pipelines in the Keewatin region communities be deferred until all hydrographic mapping in the Keewatin region is completed and the results analyzed and all affected communities are in agreement with the proposed resupply initiative;
And further, that the authorization of the Interim Commissioner for Nunavut be secured with respect to the future commitments for and on behalf of the Government of Nunavut after April 1, 1999.
Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time I will be seeking unanimous consent to deal with this motion today. Thank you.
Item 14: Notices Of Motion
Item 14: Notices Of Motion
Page 189
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Notices of motion. Mr. Todd.
Item 14: Notices Of Motion
Item 14: Notices Of Motion
Page 189
John Todd Keewatin Central
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I give notice that on Monday, October 27, 1997, I will move the following motion:
Now therefore, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre that notwithstanding Rule 4 that when this House adjourns on Friday, October 24, 1997, it shall be adjourned until Tuesday, December 2, 1997;
And further, that any time prior to December 2, 1997, if the Speaker is satisfied after consultation with the Executive Council and Members of the Legislative Assembly, that the public interest requires that the House should meet at an earlier time during the adjournment, the Speaker may give notice and thereupon the House shall meet at the time stated in session and shall transact its business as it has been duly adjourned to that time.
Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time I will be seeking unanimous consent to deal with my motion today.
Item 14: Notices Of Motion
Item 14: Notices Of Motion
Page 190
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Notices of motion. Item 15, notices of motion for first reading of bills. Item 16, motions. Mr. Ootes.
Item 16: Motions
Item 16: Motions
Page 190
Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to consider my motion today regarding the review of guidelines and procedures for requests for proposals.
Item 16: Motions
Item 16: Motions
Page 190
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. The Member for Yellowknife Centre is seeking unanimous consent to deal with this motion on the review of guidelines and procedures for requests for proposals today. Do we have any nays? There are no nays. Mr. Ootes, you have unanimous consent.
Motions 4-13(5): Review Of Guidelines And Procedures For Requests For Proposals
Item 16: Motions
Page 190
Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
WHEREAS, the Government of the Northwest Territories is responsible for the expenditure of public funds provided to them under the appropriation authority of the Legislative Assembly;
AND WHEREAS, the Government of the Northwest Territories is accountable for the manner in which funds are expended;
AND WHEREAS, the Government of the Northwest Territories awards a number of non-competitive contracts as well as those awarded through normal bidding and tendering processes, including negotiated sole-sourced construction management and site management services contracts;
AND WHEREAS, individuals, businesses and business associations have expressed concern about the lack of a clear process for the awarding of contracts;
AND WHEREAS, Members of the Legislative Assembly have requested clarification, surrounding non-competitive contracts;
AND WHEREAS, procedures respecting the awarding of all government contracts should be transparent;
AND WHEREAS, the government has provided a draft policy on negotiated contracts to standing committees of the Legislative Assembly;
AND WHEREAS, a more systematic review of the rewarding of contracts by the Government of the Northwest Territories is needed to make them more transparent and open to public scrutiny;
AND WHEREAS, the Minister of Finance committed to re-examining the policies respecting vehicles by which government contracts are awarded, in particular, the process for requests for proposals;
NOW THEREFORE, I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Iqaluit, that the Legislative Assembly request the Executive Council to undertake a review of the Government of the Northwest Territories guidelines and procedures respecting the awarding of contracts through the use of requests for proposals;
AND FURTHER, that the guidelines and procedures be reviewed to ensure inclusion and application of the principles of fairness, equity and transparency;
AND FURTHER, that this review be tabled during the February sitting of this Assembly.
Motions 4-13(5): Review Of Guidelines And Procedures For Requests For Proposals
Item 16: Motions
Page 190
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Ootes. Your motion is in order. To the motion. Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried. Motions. Mr. Todd.
Motions 4-13(5): Review Of Guidelines And Procedures For Requests For Proposals
Item 16: Motions
Page 190
John Todd Keewatin Central
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I seek unanimous consent to proceed with my motion today.
Motions 4-13(5): Review Of Guidelines And Procedures For Requests For Proposals
Item 16: Motions
Page 190
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, The Member for Keewatin Centre is seeking unanimous consent to deal with Motion 6-13(5). Do we have any nays? There are no nays. Mr. Todd, you have unanimous consent.
Motions 6-13(5): Extended Adjournment
Item 16: Motions
Page 190
John Todd Keewatin Central
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and colleagues.
I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, that notwithstanding Rule 4, that when this House adjourns on Friday, October 24, 1997, they shall adjourn until Tuesday, December 2, 1997;
AND FURTHER, that any time prior to December 2, 1997, the Speaker is satisfied, after consultation with the Executive Council and Members of the Legislative Assembly, that the public's interest requires that the House should meet at an earlier time during the adjournment, the Speaker may give notice and thereupon the House shall meet at the time stated in such notice and shall transact its business as it has been duly adjourned to that time. Thank you.
Motions 6-13(5): Extended Adjournment
Item 16: Motions
Page 190
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
The motion is in order. To the motion. Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried. Motions. Mr. O'Brien.
Motions 6-13(5): Extended Adjournment
Item 16: Motions
Page 190
Kevin O'Brien Kivallivik
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I seek unanimous consent to proceed with my motion today.
Motions 6-13(5): Extended Adjournment
Item 16: Motions
Page 190
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. The Member for Kivallivik is seeking unanimous consent to deal with Motion 5-13(5). Do we have any nays? We have one nay. I am sorry Mr. O'Brien, you do not have unanimous consent. Motions. Item 17, first reading of bills. Item 18, second reading of bills. Item 19, consideration in committee of the whole of bills and other matters. By the power given the Speaker regarding sitting hours, on Motion 3-13(5), we will move Members into committee of the whole until they are ready to report progress. With Mr. Ningark in the Chair.
--Break
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 190
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you, I promise this will not be another marathon. We are dealing with Bill 3, An Act to Amend the Financial Administration Act; Bill 4, An Act to Amend the Elections Act. What is the wish of the committee? Mr. Ootes.
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 190
Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre
I move that we proceed with Bill 3, An Act to Amend the Financial Administration Act, Mr. Chairman.
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 190
The Chair John Ningark
Do we have the concurrence of the committee? Agreed. Thank you all, we will take a break and come back at the call of the Chair. There is a full Caucus at the Caucus Room immediately. Thank you.
--Break
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 190
The Chair John Ningark
The House will come back to order. We are dealing with Bill 3, An Act to Amend the Financial Administration Act. I believe the Honourable John Todd has an opening introductory remark for Bill 3. Mr. Todd.
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 190
John Todd Keewatin Central
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The purpose of this Act is to amend the financial limits and guarantees made pursuant to the Financial Administration Act and allow the Commissioner or the board of a public agency to make a guarantee, with the approval of the Financial Management Board, in an amount which must remain within the aggregate limit of 15 percent of annual government revenues, as set out in the estimates.
Currently, the Financial Administration Act sets a limit of $500,000 on the Financial Management Board's authority to approve a guarantee. For any guarantee in excess of the $500,000, an Act of this Assembly is required. This limit was set during the early years of government, when guarantees in excess of $500,000 were unusual. As we all know, the economic situation has changed considerably in recent years. More and more governments, including ours, are seeking greater opportunity for expansion of public infrastructure and their economies in a manner which limits the cost to the taxpayer.
One very effective method is to enter into partnerships with the private sector on major projects. Another method is to replace direct contributions and grants with loan guarantees. The amendment to this Act will allow the government more flexibility in entering into public/private partnerships related to the development of infrastructure and other projects to expand our economy and provide employment where it is in the public interest. The Financial Management Board's authority to approve guarantees would be subject to an overall limit set out in the amended legislation.
I can also assure the committee that a process will be put in place for reviewing requests for guarantees that will ensure that each application reviewed by the Financial Management Board will be subjected to rigorous due diligence review and analysis and will be approved or rejected based solely on the economic merits of the project and its potential benefits to the taxpayers in the Northwest Territories.
There will also be clear procedures for ensuring adequate security is provided for and that the government's interest is duly registered. In addition, all Members of the Legislative Assembly will receive formal notice, 14 days in advance, of the final approval of all guarantees over $500,000 that the Financial Management Board is intending to issue.
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 190
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. My understanding is there is no committee report on the particular bill. This particular Bill 3 was directly through the committee of the whole. Sorry, referred to the committee of the whole. General comments on the bill? Before I recognize Members to make general comments, would the Minister like to take the witness table?
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 190
John Todd Keewatin Central
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yes, I would.
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 190
The Chair John Ningark
Do we have the concurrence of the committee? Thank you. Proceed. Mr. Todd, for the record, will you please introduce your witnesses to the committee.
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 190
John Todd Keewatin Central
Thank you. On my immediate right is Mark Aitken, who is the legal counsel for the Legislative Assembly and of course on my immediate left, which is unusual today, is Lew Voytilla, who is the deputy minister of the Financial Management Board. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 190
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Welcome to the committee. General comments? I have Mr. Miltenberger.
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 190
Michael Miltenberger Thebacha
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. This issue of trying to change the way we capitalize our projects and do our capital planning is one that I have been talking to the
Minister about for at least a year. Very clearly, with the deficit reductions that we have undertaken in the last two years, and the $50 million that was totally removed from the capital budget, we are no longer in a position, as a government, to be able to pay yearly for every capital project that we complete.
Not only that, it makes no financial sense and it is not a good business practice. No corporation does it. No adequately run business does it. Everything is amortized. They spread out the costs and they use their capital to leverage money. There has to be appropriate checks and balances. I think given the issues and the commitments we have in terms of capital infrastructure, and I think of specifically once again the two hospitals, that this is an amendment that is a step in that direction. It does not absolve us as Legislatures and committee members of due vigilance, or Cabinet of good faith, in honouring the intent of this amendment.
This has been reviewed at least three times now by Government Operations, if my memory serves me correctly, trying to come up with a common agreed-to version. So I will be supporting this amendment, Mr. Chairman. Thank you.
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 192
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. There was no question, Mr. Miltenberger? No. General comments? Mr. Ootes.
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 192
Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. This particular bill has been reviewed a number of times with Members and talked about, in general, I think it is a good process to institute. It will provide the ability for the government to raise funds from other sources which are sorely needed for the possible creation of joint venture type projects. I do have concern with one area, Mr. Chairman. I will be moving an amendment when we come to that area and that is with respect to the 14 day notice to Members. I feel that it would be beneficial to give a longer notice period to Members.
The amount of time could be difficult in the summer time, for example, when Members may be out of their constituency or individuals that Members wish to consult with, may be out of their constituency.
So I feel that a 30-day notice would be more appropriate and at the time we are reading through the bill, clause-by-clause, I will be moving my motions. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 192
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you, Mr. Ootes. We are dealing with Bill 3, An Act to Amend the Financial Administration Act. Any further general comments from the Members? Mr. Henry.
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 192
Seamus Henry Yellowknife South
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I will not go over the comments that have been made by the previous two speakers, as it sums up basically how I feel on this proposed amendment. I have also talked to a number of people, particularly the construction association, who, if Members recall, in their last newsletter talked about the shortage of skilled workers and the shortage of work that was available, and there was a recognition that the Government of the Northwest Territories is one of the largest contributors to the construction industry. Subject to suitable responses from the Ministers as we go through the bill, they certainly could support this.
I have also talked to individual members of the association who feel very similar, and they have great concerns about having a skilled workforce available in the territory in the years to come if we do not have some projects to keep these people in the territory right now, that skilled workforce. So subject to acceptable answers from the Minister, I will be supporting the bill also. Thank you.
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 192
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. General comments? Mr. Erasmus.
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 192
Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. As the previous Members have indicated, we did meet on this several times in Government Operations, and we talked about many things and for the same reasons I have mentioned, I will be supporting this amendment in its current form. Thank you.
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 192
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Mr. Steen, general comments.
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 192
Vince Steen Nunakput
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I will be supporting this bill because I feel that if this is the government's response to this Assembly's request to address the shortage of jobs and economic opportunities of this territory, if the government feels this is the type of action that is necessary to get the people to work, I am in support of this. As the other Members have stated, we have in the past two years seen a great reduction in the capital expenditures of this government. As we all know, we have no other way of increasing the funding for capital without cutting our programs and services. Therefore, if Cabinet feels this is the way to go, I will support it. Thank you.
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 192
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. With your support, Mr. Steen, I can see the bill is a done deal, thank you. No? Clause-by-clause. General comments? We are dealing with Bill 3, An Act to Amend the Financial Administration Act. Clause 1? Agreed. Thank you. Clause 2? Mr. Ootes.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
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Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that clause 2, of Bill 3, be amended by striking out 14 days in proposed subsection 67(1.1) and by substituting 30 days.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
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Page 192
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. The motion in its written form is being circulated to all Members of the committee and the motion is in order. To the motion. Mr. Ootes.
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Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre
Yes, the reason for my interest in moving this amendment is to allow the MLA who is to be notified with 14 days, more time, so that proper consultation can take place. In all fairness, the appropriate period of time, if it is extended from 14 to 30 days, I believe that would be quite adequate time for the individual to do surveys and consultation on this. So that is my purpose, Mr. Chairman.
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The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. To the motion. Mr. Miltenberger.
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Page 193
Michael Miltenberger Thebacha
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I will not be supporting this amendment. As I indicated in my opening comments, this matter and bill was reviewed in committee several times, there were a number of rewrites, a lot of give and take to come to the agreement that we did. I think I am prepared to stick by what we our final agreement was, which is what this bill reflects. I do not want to argue with Mr. Ootes about the merit of his amendment. It is just an 11th hour issue and I want to stick with what we agreed to, not having had the chance to fully discuss this particular issue. I think it is important to move ahead. Thank you.
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Page 193
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. To the motion. Mr. Erasmus.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
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Page 193
Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. As Mr. Miltenberger has indicated, we did meet on this several times and this was passed back and forth. It was after much discussion that we finally arrived at the version that is in here. To now come up with another amendment to try to change what we had agreed to, I cannot support this. This is a very important amendment that we are trying to get through here. Several of us have been after the Finance Minister to get this done for months. We finally are getting close, so I cannot support this particular amendment. Thank you.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
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Page 193
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. To the motion. Mr. O'Brien.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
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Page 193
Kevin O'Brien Kivallivik
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I note the change from 14 days to 30 days. I would ask the mover if he could provide more clarification and details as to why he feels this is necessary. Thank you.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
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The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. I am informed by the clerk that at this point in time there is no question and answer session. We are speaking directly to the motion. Part of the rules, I am told. To the motion. Mr. Todd.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
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John Todd Keewatin Central
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Frankly, I think I am in a whirlwind right now. There are processes in place and many of my colleagues use it when they feel the Cabinet has circumvented. Frankly, I am a little disappointed in the 11th hour that Mr. Ootes has come forward with this. Has not had the common decency to at least discuss it with me and show it to me. We spent three or four meetings trying to reach an appropriate arrangement. That is what politics and consensus are all about. I have asked my colleagues not to support this amendment given that it is coming at the 11th hour. I appreciate the comments of those Members of the committee that worked very hard with me in which Mr. Ootes attended those committee meetings. I thought that we had a consensus on this issue. We will not be supporting the amendment. Thank you.
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Page 193
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. I have probably spoken too soon when I said it was a done deal. I have Mr. Krutko. To the motion.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
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David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I will be supporting the motion. The point made is that we do need the time to assess. We are not talking peanuts here. We are talking projects over $500,000. The way budgets and supps have been passed, half the time we are caught sleeping at the wheel. The time allotted for us to review any of these proposals and whatnot, that we have the adequate time to do it. Yes, I did not take part in these committee meetings, but yes, I believe that Mr. Ootes has a point. I think the public should be made aware. We are talking projects that range from $600,000 or $501,000 up to $10 million. It is not peanuts. We are talking major dollars here. I think we have to be accountable to the public and the public purse that these projects we are talking about are going to be major. We should take the adequate time to ensure that we do an adequate review of those proposals when they come forth. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 193
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. To the motion. The mover of the motion, Mr. Ootes.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
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Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Minister is absolutely correct that there were a lot of meetings on this, but sometimes we cannot attend all of the meetings and I was not there for the final meeting. While consensus can be achieved with those there, I feel that sometimes if a person cannot be there and a person sees that it can be improved upon, I think it behooves that individual to bring that forward. I see some benefit to changing it from 14 to 30 days because there are periods in the year when people may be away or have difficulties dealing with the issue. I feel that it is a good change, Mr. Chairman. I want to proceed with it. Thank you.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
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The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Members of the committee, are you ready for vote? All those in favour? Against the motion? Abstaining? The motion is defeated. Clause two of Bill 3. Agreed? Mr. Roland.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
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Floyd Roland Inuvik
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Maybe just for some clarification on this clause. What is it intended to do with the 14 days? Is it extended on the approval process over and above what is there or is this strictly from the day Cabinet looks at a proposal, 14 days to a Member being notified? Thank you.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
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The Chair John Ningark
Mr. Minister.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
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John Todd Keewatin Central
I will ask Mr. Voytilla, who is much more familiar with the detail of the bill. I am at a loss as to what we are trying to accomplish. To ensure that everybody gets the right answer, I will yield to Mr. Voytilla.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
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The Chair John Ningark
Mr. Voytilla.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
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Page 193
Voytilla
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am going to endorse Mr. Todd's compliments in me by asking Mr. Roland to repeat the question.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
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The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Mr. Roland, would you please repeat the question?
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 194
Floyd Roland Inuvik
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The 14 days that is in this clause, is that the total amount of time from the conception of the plan being accepted by Cabinet and for the committees or the Members to be notified of them or is there a further approval process of the projects that would come forward? Thank you.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
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The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Mr. Voytilla.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 194
Voytilla
Mr. Chairman, we would expect that a proposal coming into the Financial Management Board would be subjected to rigorous analysis and assessment. There would then be a preliminary report made to the Financial Management Board to see if they were prepared to consider the project at which point in time the project would be communicated to the Members through the clerk's office. Fourteen days is the minimum that would have to elapse before the Financial Management Board could meet again to make a final determination on the project.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
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Page 194
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. To clause two. Mr. Roland.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
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Page 194
Floyd Roland Inuvik
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. For a little further clarification, is it 14 days from what period? From the clerk's office sending out notification or 14 days after Cabinet has said this is a worthwhile project and moving forward? Thank you.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
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Page 194
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Through the honourable Minister, I will ask Mr. Voytilla to explain.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
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Page 194
Voytilla
Mr. Chairman, it would be 14 days from the time the clerk received the formal notice. The clerk would have the document and 14 days would elapse from that time to give him time to get it out to Members and for Members to raise concerns or ask questions before the Financial Management Board can make a decision. It will be 14 days that the clerk will have it.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
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Page 194
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Mr. Roland.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
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Page 194
Floyd Roland Inuvik
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Maybe this is not the appropriate time, but after the 14 days, if there is a response from the Member with concerns to the project, what would the process be? Thank you.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 194
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Again, through the honourable Minister, I will ask Mr. Voytilla to respond.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
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Voytilla
Mr. Chairman, once a concern was raised by a Member, if you ask for information, it will be provided. If you had other concerns, then, Mr. Todd, in his capacity as chairman of the board, would approach the Member or the committee to deal with the issue.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 194
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. I believe Mr. Roland is indicating that he is satisfied for the time being with the answer. I have Mr. Henry and Mr. Krutko. Mr. Henry. Clause two.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
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Page 194
Seamus Henry Yellowknife South
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have a couple of questions on this. Can the Minister tell us how much, in dollar value, do we have liabilities outstanding presently? Thank you.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 194
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Through the honourable Minister, Mr. Voytilla.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
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Voytilla
Mr. Chairman, our outstanding, long-term liabilities in the form of loans are about $250 million and that is a consolidated basis. That includes borrowing of all of our Crown agencies as well.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
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Page 194
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Mr. Henry.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
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Page 194
Seamus Henry Yellowknife South
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Could the Minister also tell us what the maximum potential that the Government of the Northwest Territories presently could take on with this or any other liability?
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 194
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. The honourable Minister.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
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Page 194
John Todd Keewatin Central
Yes, I know that one. We have an order in council by the federal Cabinet up to $400 million. Thank you.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 194
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Clause two of Bill 3. Mr. Henry.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
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Page 194
Seamus Henry Yellowknife South
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Does the Minister have available what obligations could be put in place? He mentioned earlier, in his opening comments, that the proper guarantees could be put in place. Would one of those guarantees be that the Government of the Northwest Territories, in the event of a default, could take possession to the asset that was being secured? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 194
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. The honourable Minister probably has the answer for that one too. Mr. Todd.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 194
John Todd Keewatin Central
I do, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, we would have all the normal guarantees. They would be in place. If there was to be default, as in any conventional borrowing and lending, the Government of the Northwest Territories would have access to the assets or the red noose or whatever it was depending on the circumstances of the project. Yes.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
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The Chair John Ningark
Clause two. I believe Mr. Henry is okay for the time being. I have the honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Krutko.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
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David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. My question is in regard to the 14-days notice and the method of consultation. There seems to be a real misunderstanding that consultation of people means that you pick up the phone or you come to a community and you have one meeting and that is the end of it. But in this matter, we are dealing with a serious implication where a Member is allowed 14 days to state his comments or concerns in relation to the project. If a Member has a concern in regard to a specific project which is over $500,000, what is the method that will be used? Is there going to be a contact point to the minister? We could contact the deputy minister?
Please clarify, for me, who the contact person will be in regard to concerns raised about a specific project.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 195
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. On the procedure, Mr. Minister.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
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Page 195
John Todd Keewatin Central
Mr. Chairman, there was a great deal of discussion and honourable colleague has a valid point. We need to ensure that there is transparency and the ability to get direct input into what we are doing here. I would think if it was a committee concern it would go through the clerk. He would tell us. Individual concern if I am responsible, as I appear to be with this project, then I would expect out of my office to be called. I want to assure my honourable colleague and also Mr. Ootes that we understand the need for transparency on this issue. There was a great deal of discussion in the committee and I think we will achieve that.. I am fairly confident that you will have ample time and ample input if there are areas of concerns either through committee or on an individual basis. Thank you.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 195
The Chair John Ningark
Clause two. Mr. Krutko.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
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Page 195
David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Say, in any particular case, that there is an individual Member who files a complaint or a concern on a specific project. Will that project be halted until they have an opportunity to review that particular project so that we do have adequate time to seriously have input in it. That they will not go forward until the item has been dealt with fairly and discussed in the full committee?
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
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The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Mr. Minister.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 195
John Todd Keewatin Central
If there is adequate and substantiated arguments with a particular project that a Member or a committee has some serious concerns with, then I would have to address it. So the answer is yes.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 195
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Mr. Krutko.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 195
David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The reason I raised these concerns is that over the last number of years there has been projects which have been controversial in regard to being raised in this House, yet they continue to proceed. I think there has to be a method clearly in place that there will be due process where concerns and complaints will be filed and taken seriously and nothing will be done until those complaints are heard. Without it being overridden and basically with time restraints being 14 days that somehow you do not have the opportunity to seriously look at that particular item or the cost to a specific project without having the opportunity to review it fully.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
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The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Mr. Minister, do you wish to respond? I did not hear any direct question, Mr. Minister.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 195
John Todd Keewatin Central
As I said, to the point of being repetitive, we recognize the concern out there. We are doing the best we can. I have already assured the Member publicly that I believe there is adequate transparency processes in place and I can just assure him again that will happen. I am not expecting an avalanche, quite frankly, of projects on this issue, but I think through healthy debate and committee we have come to a satisfactory compromise and I hope my colleague will feel comfortable with that. I will commit again today to make sure that happens. Thank you.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 195
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Question. Mr. Henry.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 195
Seamus Henry Yellowknife South
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. In the Minister's department, in the research that took place prior to putting this bill together, can the Minister tell us how many other provinces or territories have such a similar act and how much are the amounts of their guarantees.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
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The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Do you have the information, Mr. Minister?
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 195
John Todd Keewatin Central
I do not have that information, but certainly in reviewing the public/private partnerships and the need to find new creative ways in which to develop public infrastructure, I can tell you Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, New Brunswick and Ontario. Those are the ones I do know. Thank you.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 195
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you, Mr. Henry.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
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Page 195
Seamus Henry Yellowknife South
Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and the second part about it, how much are the guarantees in those cases? Thank you.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
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The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Mr. Todd.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
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John Todd Keewatin Central
I would like to be able to answer. I do not have those details before me. I would imagine different jurisdictions have different levels of commitment. In Ontario, it could be billions. In Newfoundland, it could be different because of the magnitude. I would undertake, given some time to get some breathing space, to see if we can determine, at least get a bit of a cross section of what the exposure is for each of these communities, each of these constituencies and get back to my honourable colleague.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
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Page 195
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Clause 2.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
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Page 195
The Chair John Ningark
Are we ready, Mr. Krutko.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
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Page 195
David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. In regard to the process that this will follow, will we be using existing programs that are in place, especially in regard to trying to get as much economic bang for our northern buck where we look at northern firms versus southern firms because we are talking large amounts of money here. There are not that many firms in the north that will be able to come up with this type of cash to take on these projects, yet there are large southern institutions which could probably eat us for breakfast. I would like to ask the Minister, are we going to adhere to the existing business practices and policies that are presently in place to ensure we get the biggest northern bang for the northern buck?
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
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The Chair John Ningark
The honourable Minister, Mr. Todd.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 196
John Todd Keewatin Central
Yes, Mr. Chairman.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
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The Chair John Ningark
Thank you, Clause 2 of Bill 3. Are we agreed?
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
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Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
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The Chair John Ningark
Clause 3 of Bill 3. Agreed? Mr. Krutko.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
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Page 197
David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
I am trying to get an answer to my last question, but I guess I can probably ask it here?
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
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The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Clause 3, do we agreed?
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
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Page 197
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 197
The Chair John Ningark
Bill as a whole. Agreed?
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 197
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 197
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Does the committee agree that Bill 3 is ready for third reading?
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 197
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 197
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Bill 3 is now ready for third reading. I would like to thank the honourable Minister and witnesses appearing before the committee. Thank you.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 197
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Are we ready for review of Bill 4?
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 197
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 197
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. I believe the Honourable Ng is responsible for Bill 4, An Act to Amend the Elections Act. Does the Minister have any opening remarks?
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 197
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Yes, thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, the amendments before the committee of the whole today are the consequence of amendments that were made to the Elections Act by Bill 23, passed in the Fourth Session. Mr. Chairman, during the consideration of Bill 23 at the last session, the Standing Committee on Government Operations recommended that the Act be amended to clarify that a person who resides outside of the Northwest Territories may not vote in an election. At the time Bill 23 was before the House, the section of the Elections Act that could correct this concern was not contained in the bill. The purpose of Bill 4 is to make that amendment.
In addition, Mr. Chairman, the bill also provides that the territories may make agreements with other jurisdictions respecting the conduct of elections. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 197
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you, Mr. Ng. As with Bill 3, there was no Standing Committee Report. This bill was referred directly to the committee of the whole. I will call upon the ministry to go to the table before we get into general comments and questions. Mr. Ng.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 197
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Not at this time, Mr. Chairman. Unless I require it later, thank you.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 197
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you, we are now ready for general comments on Bill 4, An Act to Amend the Elections Act. Any general comments from the membership? If not, we will move into a clause-by-clause. Agreed?
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 197
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 197
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 1, Bill 4. Agreed?
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 197
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 197
The Chair John Ningark
Clause 2. Agreed?
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 197
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 197
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Clause 3 of Bill 4. Agreed?
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 197
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 197
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Clause 4. Agreed?
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 197
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 197
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Clause 5. Agreed?
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 197
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 197
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Clause 6. Agreed?
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 197
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 197
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Clause 7 of Bill 4. Agreed?
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 197
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 197
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Clause 8. Agreed?
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 197
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 197
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Clause 9 of Bill 4. Agreed?
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 197
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 197
The Chair John Ningark
Bill as a whole. Agreed?
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 197
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 197
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Does the committee agree that Bill 4 is ready for third reading? Agreed?
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 197
Some Hon. Members
Agreed.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 197
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. Bill 4 is now ready for third reading. Thank you, Mr. Minister. Mr. Krutko.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 197
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 197
The Chair John Ningark
Thank you. The motion is in order. The motion to report progress traditionally is not debatable. All those in favour of the motion, please signify. Opposed? Motion is carried. I will rise and report progress. Thank you.
Committee Motion 3-13(5): To Amend Clause 2 Of Bill 3, An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Page 197
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
The House will come back to order. We are on item 20, report of committee of the whole. Mr. Ningark.
Item 20: Report Of Committee Of The Whole
Item 20: Report Of Committee Of The Whole
Page 197
John Ningark Natilikmiot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Bill 3, An Act to Amend the Financial Administration Act and Bill 4, An Act to Amend the Elections Act. We would like to report that Bill 3 and Bill 4 are ready for third reading. Mr. Speaker, I move that the report of the committee of the whole be concurred with.
Item 20: Report Of Committee Of The Whole
Item 20: Report Of Committee Of The Whole
Page 197
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Seconded by Mr. Steen. The motion is in order. To the motion. Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? Motion is carried. Item 21, third reading of bills. Mr. Dent.
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 197
Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker I seek consent to proceed with third reading of Bill 3, an Act to Amend the Financial Administration Act.
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 197
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. The Member for Yellowknife Frame Lake is seeking consent to deal with Bill 3. Do we have any nays? You have consent, Mr. Dent.
BILL 3, An Act to Amend the Financial Administration Act
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 197
Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Baffin South that Bill 3, An Act to Amend the Financial Administration Act be read for the third time.
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 197
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Motion is in order. To the motion. Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? Motion is carried. Third reading of bills, Mr. Ng.
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 197
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Mr. Speaker, I seek consent to proceed with the third reading of Bill 4, An Act to Amend the Elections Act.
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 197
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
The Member for Kitikmeot is seeking consent to deal with Bill 4. Do we have any nays? Mr. Ng, you have consent.
Bill 4: An Act to Amend the Elections Act
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 197
Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Aivilik that Bill 4, An Act to Amend the Elections Act, be read for the third time. Thank you.
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 197
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. The motion is in order. To the motion. Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? Motion is carried. Bill 4 has had third reading. Also Bill 3. Third reading of bills. Mr. Clerk, would you ascertain if our honour, the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories is prepared to enter the Chamber and assent to bills.
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 197
Commissioner Maksagak
As Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, I am pleased to assent to the following bills:
Bill 3, An Act to Amend the Financial Administration Act; and Bill 4, An Act to Amend the Elections Act. Thank you.
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills
Page 197
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
The House will come back to order. We are on item 22, orders of the day. Mr. Clerk, orders of the day.
Item 22: Orders Of The Day
Item 22: Orders Of The Day
Page 197
Clerk Of The House Mr. David Hamilton
Orders of the day for Tuesday, December 2, 1997:
1. Prayer
2. Ministers' Statements
3. Members' Statements
4. Returns to Oral Questions
5. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
6. Oral Questions
7. Written Questions
8. Returns to Written Questions
9. Replies to Opening Address
10. Petitions
11. Reports of Standing and Special Committees
12. Reports of Committees on the Review of Bills
13. Tabling of Documents
14. Notices of Motion
15. Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills
16. Motions
- Motion No. 5
17. First Reading of Bills
- Bill 5, An Act to Amend the Financial Administration Act, No. 2
- Bill 7, An Act to Amend the Territorial Court Act
18. Second Reading of Bills
19. Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
20. Report of Committee of the Whole
21. Third Reading of Bills
22. Orders of the Day
Item 22: Orders Of The Day
Item 22: Orders Of The Day
Page 199
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you, Mr. Clerk. This House stands adjourned until 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 2, 1997.
--ADJOURNMENT
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